In Brief
On 23 October 2018, the Central Vigilance Commission divested CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers and functions pending investigation of corruption allegations. The Court held that this action was unconstitutional. Interpreting the DSPE Act, 1946 in light of legislative intent to insulate the CBI from external interference, the Court ruled that any divestment of the Director's powers requires prior consent of the Selection Committee under Section 4A. The narrow interpretation urged by the government—limiting 'transfer' to a change of post—would be self-defeating and allow circumvention of protective safeguards. The Court set aside the three orders divesting the Director and directed the Committee to reconsider the matter within one week.",
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