Justice AK Sikri, who was due to hear the PIL seeking the removal of M Nageshwar Rao as the interim director, has recused himself from hearing the matter and has postponed the hearing until tomorrow.
In the last hearing on 21st January, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said that he cannot hear the matter as he is a part of the select committee panel, which will decide upon the new CBI director on 24th January.
And, Chief justice Ranjan Gogoi had therefore recused himself and the 2nd most senior judge, Justice Sikri was brought in, who was due to hear the matter today but has said that he cannot take up the matter.
Now, the NGO Common Cause, which filed the plea has stated that this would send a "wrong message" to the public and a narrative is being set that two most senior judges of the Supreme Court are in tandem overhearing the CBI director's case.
Justice Sikri was part of the high powered panel which had removed CBI Director Alok Verma.
As soon as the matter came up for hearing, Justice Sikri told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for petitioner NGO Common Cause, that he would not like to hear the matter and was recusing himself. "You understand my position. I can't hear this matter," Justice Sikri said.
To this Dave said, "It is becoming very frustrating and it is giving the impression that your Lordship does not want to hear this matter. Earlier also the CJI had recused when the matter was listed for hearing. Now your lordship (Justice Sikri) is also recusing from the matter"
