CBI case: CJI recuses himself from hearing plea against Rao’s appointment

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday recused himself from hearing a plea challenging the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI Director, saying he will be part of the selection committee to choose the agency’s new chief.

PM-led panel

The high-powered committee to select the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director comprises the Prime Minister, the leader of the largest opposition party and the CJI or his nominee judge of the apex court.

A Bench comprising CJI and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing a PIL filed by NGO Common Cause challenging the appointment of Rao as interim CBI Director.

On January 10, Rao, additional director in the CBI, was made interim chief till the appointment of a new director. This was after a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma as chief of the probe agency on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.

The petition has sought specific mechanisms to ensure transparency in the process of appointing the CBI director. It alleged that Rao’s appointment was not made on the basis of the recommendations of the high-powered selection committee.

Bassi challenges transfer

Meanwhile, CBI DSP AK Bassi on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer to Port Blair, saying it was vitiated by “mala fide” and will prejudice the probe against former special director Rakesh Asthana.

Bassi, who was the investigating officer in the corruption case against Asthana, said he is being “victimised by the present interim CBI Director — M Nageswara Rao — who did not want the petitioner to conduct a free and fair investigation.”

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