CBI GENERAL CONSENT WITHDRAWN – POLITY

News: T.N. withdraws general consent granted to CBI

 

What is in the news?

       Recently, The Tamil Nadu government announced that it has withdrawn the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act.

 

Key takeaways from the news:

       As per Section 6 of the DSPE Act, 1946, the CBI needs consent from the respective State governments for conducting investigation in their jurisdiction.

       A general consent to CBI granted by State governments enables the central agency to carry out investigations without such hindrances.

       Due to Tamil Nadu’s withdrawal of general consent, the CBI should henceforth seek prior permission from the Tamil Nadu government for undertaking investigation due to this general consent withdrawn.

       States which withdrew their general consent include Mizoram, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab and Meghalaya had withdrawn their general consent given to CBI.

       Mizoram withdrew its general consent in July 2015, West Bengal did it in November 2018 and Chhattisgarh in January 2019.

 

Central Bureau of Investigation:

About:

       Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India.

 

Year of establishment:

       It was established based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).

 

Statutory backup:

       The CBI is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

 

Nodal Ministry:

       Ministry of Personnel, Pension and Public Grievances.

 

Functions:

       It acts as the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol Member countries.

       It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.

 

CBI Director appointment:

       Based on the recent Supreme Court Order, the CBI director is appointed based on the recommendation of the search cum selection committee.

       This search cum selection committee includes,

       Prime Minister of India

       Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge nominated by him.

       Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.