Panel shortlists 3 names for post of CBI chief, Adhir raises objection

Chowdhury is also learnt to have registered his dissent over the selection of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) at a separate panel meeting headed by the PM on Saturday.

While Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud is the third member of the committee which selects the CBI chief, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the third member of the selection committee for the CVC and Vigilance Commissioners.

According to sources, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had earlier sent a list of nearly 115 names for the CBI chief’s post, including some officers who were not empanelled. Chowdhury is learnt to have pointed this out, and also argued that he had not received the service records, personal details and integrity documents of the officers on the list.

Sources said the CJI suggested that the list be pruned, based on the officers’ experience and seniority, after which it was whittled down to a dozen-odd names. However, Chowdhury is learnt to have argued that there were anomalies in the preparation of the list, and demanded that the exercise be done afresh. He is also learnt to have said that the government should consider women officers and those from the minority communities.

According to sources, Taj Hassan’s name was then included, and the shortlist of three officers was sent to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Chowdhury, however, recorded his objection, saying there were anomalies in the preparation of the list which warrants fresh review.

Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was appointed Karnataka DGP in January 2020, superseding Ashit Mohan Prasad, a 1985-batch IPS officer. Saxena, a 1987-batch IPS officer, took over as Madhya Pradesh DGP in March 2022. Hassan, a 1987-batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, has been serving as DG, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards since July 2021.

For appointment of the CVC, sources said the government placed two names before the panel – acting CVC P K Srivastava, and former Exim Bank Managing Director David Rasquinha.

For the posts of CVC and Vigilance Commissioners, the government can draw probable candidates from the government, public sector undertakings and the private sector.

Chowdhury is learnt to have argued that there are many eligible individuals in PSUs who have expertise and experience in vigilance and investigations. He told the panel that the public sector should not be neglected. He is also learnt to have pointed out that Rasquinha’s name was not in the shortlist that was circulated to panel members earlier. The list, sources said, had several names in three annexures.

Sources said Rasquinha’s name was then struck out, paving the way for recommendation of Srivastava’s name, who is now all set to be appointed as the new CVC. Chowdhury, however, still registered his dissent, saying there were “procedural infirmities” in the selection process.

Srivastava, a 1988-batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was appointed Vigilance Commissioner in July 2002. He was appointed acting CVC in December after the then CVC, Suresh N Patel, completed his term.

At the third meeting chaired by the PM, there was unanimity on the appointment of former Attorney General of India K K Venugopal as the eminent jurist in the Lokpal Selection Committee.

The chairperson and members of the Lokpal are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a selection committee comprising the PM, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him, and an eminent jurist appointed on the recommendation of the panel chairperson and members.

Curated For You

Dhurandhar Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 7 Update: Ranveer Singh starrer set to cross Rs 230 crore mark in India

India vs UAE U19 Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: India beat UAE by 234 runs

Akhanda 2 Movie Review, Collection LIVE Updates: Nandamuri Balakrishna film set to cross Rs 20 cr mark in 2 days