Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Why in news?

• Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Director General of the CISF and an IPS officer from the 1985 batch Maharashtra cadre, was named CBI Director recently. 

About CBI:

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (India).
• The CBI draws its legality from the 1946-Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE).
• The precursor to the CBI was the Special Police Establishment, which was India's first agency to investigate corruption. It was set in 1946 by the British.
• In 1963, the Home Ministry expanded its power and changed its name to the Central Bureau of Investigation. But, it is still governed by the 1946 Act.
• Originally set up to investigate bribery and governmental corruption, in 1965 it received expanded jurisdiction to investigate breaches of central laws enforceable by the Government of India, multi-state organised crime, multi-agency or international cases.
• CBI is India's officially designated single point of contact for liaison with the Interpol.
• CBI is exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

About the appointment process of director:

• Before the Lokpal Act was legislated, the CBI director was appointed by the DSPE Act. Now, the Lokpal Act governs the appointment of the CBI director.
• The CBI director is appointed by the Centre on the basis of the recommendation of a search committee comprising of the Prime Minister as the chairperson, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition.
• The Chief Justice of India can nominate a Supreme Court judge if he does not attend the search committee meeting.
• In the absence of a formal Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the leader of the floor of the largest opposition party (in present case Congress) takes part in the search committee meetings.
• The process of selecting the CBI director begins in the Home Ministry, which prepares a list of IPS officers, who are eligible for the post on the basis of their seniority and experience in the field of probe.
• The MHA list goes to the Department of Personnel, which prepares the final list on the basis of "seniority, integrity and experience in the investigation of ant-corruption cases".
• The search committee examines the names and sends its recommendation to the government for the appointment of CBI director.
• The decision of the committee could be unanimous or divided with a member recording the note of dissent.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
1.It is organisationally under the jurisdiction of ministry of home affairs.
2.The appointment of director of CBI is regulated by the Delhi Special police establishment act.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question