‘Asthana appointment breaches SC judgment’

Congress questions ‘special circumstances’ of selection days before retirement

The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the appointment of Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as the Delhi Police Commissioner is a direct contravention of a Supreme Court judgment. Addressing a press conference, party spokesperson Pawan Khera asked if there was a “quid pro quo” and reminded the government that Chief Justice N.V. Ramana had rejected Mr. Asthana for the post of CBI director for having less than six months of retirement. Mr. Khera questioned the “special circumstances” because of which Mr. Asthana was appointed four days before his retirement.