In Brief
The Court dismissed a public interest petition challenging the appointment of Shri Rakesh Asthana as Special Director, CBI. The petitioner claimed the appointment was made illegally because the Selection Committee had not decided on the appointment, relying on media reports. The Court held that the Selection Committee had indeed consulted the Director, CBI and made a unanimous decision based on relevant materials. The Court clarified that when a statutory Selection Committee exists, consultation with the Director is a process of discussion that need not be accorded primacy. The appointment was found to comply with legal procedure and the petition was dismissed.
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