CBI’s A.K. Bassi moves Supreme Court over his transfer
1 min read . Updated: 21 Jan 2019, 10:36 PM IST
Premium- The transfer order was passed by M. Nageswara Rao in his capacity as interim director of CBI
- Bassi alleged that the transfer order unfairly prejudiced the investigation into allegations against Asthana
New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer A.K. Bassi moved the Supreme Court on Monday challenging his transfer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The transfer order was passed by M. Nageswara Rao in his capacity as interim director of CBI, whose own appointment is under challenge at the apex court.
The former investigation officer of the bribery case against special CBI director Rakesh Asthana alleged that the transfer order of 11 January unfairly prejudiced the probe into allegations against Asthana. “The impugned order is vitiated by mala fide and non-application of mind. It is violative of the order passed by the Supreme Court on 8 January reinstating Alok Kumar Vema as the director of the CBI", the plea said.
On 8 January, the top court disposed of Bassi’s application challenging his transfer on the grounds that he could approach the appropriate forum. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices K.M. Joseph and Sanjay Kishan Kaul had set aside the 23 October order of the centre divesting Verma of his powers and appointing CBI joint director Rao as interim chief after Verma was sent on leave.
Verma, who was reinstated as CBI Director by the court, was later removed by a high-powered committee. The committee consisting of PM Narendra Modi, Supreme Court judge A.K. Sikri and leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge decided to transfer him to the post of director, General Fire Services. Verma declined to take up his new assignment.
