Central Bureau of Investigation

Why in news?

• Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that it has withdrawn the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• Mizoram, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab and Meghalaya had withdrawn their general consent given to CBI as of March. 2023.

About Central Bureau of Investigation:

• 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.
• 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.

PRACTICE 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