Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Source: HT

Context: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension for CBI Director Praveen Sood, an IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, beyond his scheduled retirement.

About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• What is the CBI?

• The CBI is India’s premier investigating agency, tasked with probing high-profile cases of corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes. It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body, but derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.

• The CBI is India’s premier investigating agency, tasked with probing high-profile cases of corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes.

• It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body, but derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.

• Origin: Traces back to 1941, when the Special Police Establishment (SPE) was set up during WWII.

• Formed as CBI: Officially established by a Home Ministry resolution on 1 April 1963, following the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.

• Administrative Control: Works under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

• Organizational Structure:

• Headed by a Director (rank: DGP, IPS). Supported by Special Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs).

• Headed by a Director (rank: DGP, IPS).

• Supported by Special Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs).

• Director Appointment Process:

• Appointed by a three-member Selection Committee under the DSPE Act: Prime Minister (Chairperson) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Chief Justice of India or his nominee

• Prime Minister (Chairperson)

• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

• Chief Justice of India or his nominee

• Tenure: Fixed 2 years, extendable annually up to 5 years (as per DSPE Amendment Act, 2021).

• Key Functions of CBI:

• Anti-Corruption: Probes corruption and misconduct by Central Govt employees, PSU staff, and Union Territory officials. Economic Offences: Investigates bank frauds, money laundering, and financial scams. Special Crimes: Handles sensational cases like murder, terrorism, kidnapping, when referred by states or courts. Interpol Nodal Agency: Acts as India’s liaison with Interpol for international crime coordination. Judicial Assignments: Investigates cases on the direction of Supreme Court or High Courts. Data & Intelligence: Maintains criminal records, crime statistics, and helps in inter-state police coordination.

• Anti-Corruption: Probes corruption and misconduct by Central Govt employees, PSU staff, and Union Territory officials.

• Economic Offences: Investigates bank frauds, money laundering, and financial scams.

• Special Crimes: Handles sensational cases like murder, terrorism, kidnapping, when referred by states or courts.

• Interpol Nodal Agency: Acts as India’s liaison with Interpol for international crime coordination.

• Judicial Assignments: Investigates cases on the direction of Supreme Court or High Courts.

• Data & Intelligence: Maintains criminal records, crime statistics, and helps in inter-state police coordination.