Need for Reforms in CBI

• 29 Mar 2025

Source: HT 

Why in News?

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, in its 145th report recommended significant reforms in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

What are the Key Reforms Recommended by the Parliamentary Committee? 

• Independent Recruitment Framework: Establish a CBI-specific exam via SSC, UPSC, or an independent body to create a permanent cadre with structured career growth. 
  • Establish an in-house expert team to reduce reliance on external specialists. 
  • Retain deputation only for senior positions that require diverse experience. 
• Lateral Entry: Introduce lateral entry for specialists in cybercrime, forensics, financial fraud, and legal domains. 
  • Reduce dependence on external specialists by creating in-house expertise teams. 
• Separate Law for CBI: Enact a separate law to grant CBI wider investigative powers in cases affecting national security and integrity without requiring state consent. 
  • The withdrawal of general consent by 8 states has restricted the CBI from investigating corruption and organized crime. 
  • Under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 CBI requires state government consent to investigate cases within a state unless: 
    • The Supreme Court, High Court, or Lokpal orders the investigation. 
    • The state has granted general consent for certain categories of cases. 

What are Departmental Related Standing Committees? 

Click Here to Read: Departmental Related Standing Committees 

What are Key Facts About CBI? 

• Establishment: Formed in 1963 based on the Santhanam Committee's recommendations (1962–64). 
• Role: It investigates cases related to bribery, government corruption, central law violations, multi-state crime, and international cases. 
  • India's nodal agency for coordinating investigations with Interpol. 
• Legal Framework: Operates under the DSPE Act, 1946. 
• Administrative Control: Functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (PMO). 
• Supervision: 
  • Corruption Cases: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) oversees investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. 
  • Other Cases: Supervised by DoPT under the Ministry of Personnel. 
• CBI Director Appointment: Recommended by a committee comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI (or SC judge) under the Lokpal Act, 2013. 
  • Tenure: 2 years, extendable up to 5 years in the public interest. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Q.Examine the significance of investigative autonomy for CBI in cases affecting national security and integrity. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Mains:

Q. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting a probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (2021)