The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petition moved by CBI Director Alok Verma, challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of all powers and sending him on leave. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi concluded the arguments on behalf of Verma, Centre, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and others who were party in the matter.

The court also heard the petition moved by NGO Common Cause, which had sought a court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officers, including Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Extraordinary situations need extraordinary remedies, the CVC told the Supreme Court during the hearing. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CVC, referred to apex court judgments and laws governing the CBI and said the Commission's superintendence (over the CBI) encompasses "surprise, extraordinary situations". A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Attorney General K K Venugopal told the court that circumstances culminating in the situation had started in July. "Essence of the government action must be in the interest of the institution," the bench said.