CBI director Praveen Sood likely to get 1 year extension

Context

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood is all set to get a one year extension as the high-level committee to pick a new Director, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could not arrive at a consensus on the shortlisted names.

• The committee, which has Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as members, met on Monday evening at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Appointment of CBI Director

• The CBI director is appointed according to provisions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (1946) and amendments therein brought by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

• The appointment is made by the Centre on recommendation by a three-member Appointment Committee.

• The appointment committee comprises the Prime Minister as the chairperson, the leader of the opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him.

• If there is no recognised LoP, then the leader of the single largest party is included in the committee.

• The Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003 fixed the tenure of the CBI director at 2 years.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• It is the premier investigative agency of India.

• The agency was established in 1963 by the Indian government as a result of the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee.

• It derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946.

• Control:

1It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

2For investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the CBI vests superintendence to the Central Vigilance Commission.

• Functions

1Initially, it was set up to investigate corruption in government departments and public sector undertakings.

2However, over the years, its jurisdiction has expanded to cover a wide range of cases, including economic offences, cyber crimes, organized crimes, and special crimes.