The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Monday submitted its investigation report into the allegations against CBI director Alok Verma to the Supreme Court. The agency, however, invited stern words from the Justice Gogoi-led bench due to the delay in filing the report.

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The report was required to be submitted by November 11.

The court had directed the CVC to complete its probe into bribery allegations against Verma under the supervision of a retired judge Justice A.K. Patnaik in two weeks while restraining interim chief M Nageshwar Rao from taking any policy or major decisions during the period.

While apologising on behalf of the CVC, the newly appointed solicitor general Tushar Mehta argued that the agency was late only by an hour and that the registrar was shut when the CVC report was brought to the court. However, the court, in reply, said that the registrar was kept open for the submission, however, the agency failed to appear for the submission. The apex court also added that any delay in the submission should have been conveyed to the registrar in any case.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO Common Cause, remarked that the CVC had shown urgency in passing orders at 2 am to take Alok Verma off duty, however, the same urgency was not shown in filing of the report as per the court's deadline.

The apex court order had come on a petition filed by Verma challenging the government notification divesting him of his duties and powers and giving charge to Rao.

CBI special director Rakesh Asthana and CBI director Alok Verma were asked to go on leave after both came out accusing each other of being involved in corruption and interfering in high-profile cases.

The court has accepted the report and the matter will be heard on November 16.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published:Nov 12, 2018 1:48 PM IST