Supreme Court Highlights: Govt removed CBI chief Alok Verma over Rafale probe, says Rahul Gandhi

Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated Alok Verma as the CBI chief, quashing a midnight order by the government in October to remove him and his deputy Rakesh Asthana after infighting between them went public.But the top court ruled that Alok Verma cannot take any major policy decisions till the selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews the probe report against him and decides on his continuation.The top court has given this selection committee, which also comprises the Chief Justice of India and leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, one week to meet and discuss whether Verma needs to be removed or not.Here are the live updates:

2 pm IST

New Delhi, India - Jan. 7, 2019: Congress President Rahul Gandhi speaks to media during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, India, on Monday, January 7, 2019. (Photo by Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times) (Arvind Yadav/HT PHOTO)

Nothing is going to save the Prime Minister from Rafale: Rahul Gandhi

Nothing is going to save the Prime Minister from Rafale. He has personally helped Anil Ambani. Did the Air Force, defecne minister object when Modi bypassed the old Rafale deal? I want an Yes/No answer. The nation is going to know, says Rahul Gandhi.

1.50 pm IST

Govt removed CBI chief over Rafale probe, says Rahul Gandhi

CBI chief was removed at 1 AM in the night because he was about to begin an investigation in the Rafale scam. Now that he has been reinstated, some justice has been done. Now let’s see what happens, says Rahul Gandhi. 

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President: CBI chief was removed at 1 AM in the night because he was about to begin an investigation in the Rafale scam. Now that he has been reinstated, some justice has been done. Now let's see what happens. pic.twitter.com/UncVjXK15s— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

1.30 pm IST

Kapil Sibal, Congress on SC’s verdict on Alok Verma plea: Midnight operation to remove CBI Director had an objective, it was to not let Alok Verma function. The operation failed, the decision of both Centre and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was held unconstitutional by SC.

 

Kapil Sibal, Congress on SC's verdict on Alok Verma plea: Midnight operation to remove CBI Director had an objective, it was to not let Alok Verma function. The operation failed, the decision of both Centre and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was held unconstitutional by SC. pic.twitter.com/rxbxt5gFzU— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

12.45 pm IST

SC has strengthened immunity to CBI: Jaitley

SC apparently has strengthened the immunity given to CBI director in larger interest of fair&impartial investigation. Therefore in accordance with direction of SC, orders will be complied with and the govt will act in the same manner, says Jaitley.

12.40 pm IST

Action was perfectly bonafide: Jaitley

This action was taken perfectly bonafide as there were cross-allegations made by both the officers,&in accordance with recommendations of CVC.The govt had felt that in the larger interest of fair&impartial investigation&credibility of CBI,the 2 officers must recuse themselves, says Jaitley.

12.30 pm IST

Govt not biased against anyone: Jaitley

Govt not biased against anyone. CVC exercised its powers of superintendence in connection with corruption in CBI,says Jaitley.

12.20 pm IST

Govt acted on CVC recommendation: Jaitley

The government had taken this action of sending two senior officers of the CBI on leave on the recommendation of the CVC, says finance minister Arun Jaitley.

11.50 am IST

Alok Verma reinstatement is indictment of Modi: Kejriwal

Modi govt has ruined all institutions and democracy in our country, says Arvind Kejriwal. SC reinstating CBI director Alok Verma is a direct indictment of Modi, he says.

11.30 am IST

Alok Verma removed for probing Rafale deal: Congress

“Alok Verma was investigating the #RafaleScam, so he was illegally & undemocratically removed from his position. Today the SC has proven to PM Modi that democracy will always fight back. Where will NoMo hide, now that all his skeletons are falling out of the closet.” Congress tweets.

11.20 am IST

Cong leader Kharge welcomes verdict

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on SC’s verdict on Alok Verma plea: We’re not against one individual, welcome SC’s judgement, it’s a lesson for govt. Today you’ll use these agencies to pressurise people, tomorrow somebody else will, What will happen to democracy then? 

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on SC's verdict on Alok Verma plea: We're not against one individual, welcome SC's judgement, it's a lesson for govt. Today you'll use these agencies to pressurise people, tomorrow somebody else will, What will happen to democracy then? pic.twitter.com/sAHEvuYNf8— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

11 am IST

SC gives committee a week to consider Verma’s case

Supreme Court says the High Power Committee under DSPE Act to act within a week to consider his case.

10.40 am IST

SC quashes government order, reinstates Alok Verma as CBI chief

Supreme Court quashes government order, reinstates Alok Verma as CBI chief.