Defending the government after the SC ordered the reinstatement of CBI director Alok Verma, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the decision to send the CBI’s two senior officers on leave was taken by the government on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission.

Jaitley, said these words while speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex. He also said the government would comply with the orders of the apex court.

“The government took this decision to protect the integrity of the CBI…Government took the action of sending two senior officers of CBI on leave on CVC’s recommendation,” he said, referring to the decision to send Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave.

He said the court has referred the matter to the committee to decide on the issue within one week.

“The court apparently has strengthened the immunity given to the CBI director in the larger interest of the fair and impartial working of the CBI. At the same time, the court has devised an accountability mechanism. The directions of the court will obviously be complied with,” he said.