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SC interpretation on CBI director a shot in the arm for government: Sorabjee

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

The solicitor general of India, Soli Sorabjee, on Saturday clarified that the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had not turned down the government's plea on appointing an officer with less than two years' service left as director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

"We had gone to the court because the three-member panel headed by N Vittal, chief vigilance commissioner, had not considered those officers of the IPS cadre who had less than two years to go, and we needed clarifications. The judges said that their order of 1998 was very clear, that the new director should have a two-year term in office. This means that even those who are on the verge of retirement could be considered and if the government appoints such a person, then he would have two years in office," Sorabjee told rediff.com in the morning.

Observers feel that with this interpretation, P C Sharma, special director of CBI, and T N Misra, another director general level officer of IPS cadre, stand to gain.

According to insiders, the government may now ask the three-member panel to take a fresh look at the selection done earlier. H J Dora, director general of police, Andhra Pradesh, and K Chakravarty, DGP, Gujarat, were on the list of three officers who were shortlisted by the three-member panel earlier this week.

Former CBI director Joginder Singh told rediff.com that though there was no bar on appointing an officer who has less than two years of service left, the selection panel should recommend the senior-most officer to the post. "If they do not keep seniority in mind then someone will move the court," he cautioned.

Members of the selection panel refused to comment on the controversy surrounding the appointment of the new director. The incumbent, R K Raghavan, retires in 10 days' time.

EARLIER REPORT:

SC refuses to modify order on CBI chief

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