CVC well within rights to probe Verma: ex-officials

The Central Vigilance Commission is well within its rights to probe allegations against a CBI director, who is bound by conduct rules for All India services, former senior officers of the agency opined Thursday.

The ex-officers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they felt that any comments from them will be seen as taking sides, said when it comes to allegations of corruption the Commission can carry out inquiry against all india service officers.

However, this position is not supported by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and opposition parties including the Congress.

Bhushan has challenged the decision of the government in the Supreme Court through an NGO Common cause. The matter will come up for hearing on Friday.

The petition filed by Bhushan said, "Even if there is allegation of corruption against Verma, as stated in the removal order, the CVC, in the guise of power of superintendence, could not have withdrawn the work from the Director CBI and handed over to a new officer without the consent of the committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India.

"The impugned orders make it apparent that the aforesaid decisions have been taken without consultation with the aforementioned selection committee as is mandated by the law."