The Government of India on Monday issued a statement denying media reports that new appointments were made in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amidst the alleged ongoing "policy paralysis". It further asserted that action will be taken only after the Supreme Court pronounces its verdict in the matter.
The statement from the Centre came following media reports claiming that the government was considering two different options to end the alleged policy paralysis in the CBI. It was reported that the government may appoint an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of Director General rank to look after the affairs of the CBI or may place a senior IAS officer in a supervisory role.
Denying the reports, the Centre said in its official statement: "The Government of India strongly refutes this imputation. It is clarified that the government has taken the step of divesting the present Director and Special Director of the CBI of their powers under section 4 (2) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 as an interim measure."
It was also asserted that since the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court, any action that is to be taken will be strictly in accordance with the decision of the apex court in the pending proceeding and not before the court decides the matter.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph on November 29 heard arguments in the case challenging the validity of CBI Director Alok Verma's ouster.
The court will hear the matter next on December 5.