Alok Verma's Fate Hangs in Balance as Selection Panel Meets Later Today, CBI Boss Likely to Wait Some More

New Delhi: Even as the high-powered Selection Committee meets today at 8 PM to decide the fate of CBI director Alok Verma, a decision is unlikely to be taken immediately.

According to the sources in the government, the three members of the panel — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CJI's nominee Justice AK Sikri and leader of the single largest party in opposition Mallikarjun Kharge — are expected to deliberate on the Supreme Court judgment and the CVC inquiry report on charges against Verma.

Sources tell News18 that once all the materials are laid out before the panel, the members will have to examine these in detail, apply their minds and then discuss.

They point out that while the CVC inquiry report will be before the Committee, Verma's response to it cannot be placed since his reply was filed only in the Supreme Court.

"So, if the Committee examines the inquiry report and relies upon it, it will require to give Verma an opportunity to reply as well," says a top government functionary.

He added that the panel will have to comply with the principles of natural justice and the mandate that no man should be condemned unheard.

"Therefore, if the members want to lend credence to what the Supreme Court had described as 'very uncomplimentary' charges against Alok Verma, the officer will also get his chance to file his reply before the panel," says this functionary.

Asked about the possibility of giving Verma a graceful exit, the functionary said that it can now happen only if the panel concludes that the CVC inquiry has not returned adverse finding of the nature that may affect the CBI's integrity with him at its helm.

"There are many Ifs and Buts at this moment. If the panel thinks, the charges are grave, it may even consider the CVC's request for a further probe against Verma. Then, one will have to also consider what happens in the interregnum. The process will take time and the Court has already restricted Verma's powers. Will the Committee wish to impose further prohibitions against Verma is also an issue because the government wants all his powers to be taken away pending the inquiry," emphasises the functionary.