A three-judge Bench comprising Justices S P Bharucha, S P Kurdukar and R P Sethi, while dismissing the petition filed by Vineet Narain, said "the appointment was done after complying with required procedures".

Admonishing the petitioner, the Bench said "just because you think the appointment was not done in a proper manner, the court cannot take up the matter."

Narain had alleged that government violated the guideline for the appointment of CBI director as laid down by the SC during the hearing of Jain-Hawala case in 1997.

The court had said "recommendations for the appointment of the CBI director shall be made by a committee headed by the Central Vigilance Commissioner with the Home Secretary and Secretary (personnel) as members.

"Theviews of the incumbent director shall be considered by the committee for making the best choice. The committee shall draw up a panel of IPS officers on the basis of their seniority, integrity, experience in investigation and anti-corruption work. The final selection shall be made as recommended by the committee," the court had observed.

Raghavan, a senior IPS officer and President's medal winner, assumed charge as CBI director on January 4, 1999.