Central Bureau of Investigation

Central Bureau of Investigation

  • Context:

  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood has been granted another one-year extension beyond May 24, 2026, by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee.

  • Mr. Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer, had earlier received a one-year extension in May 2025 after completing his original two-year tenure as CBI Director.

  • About the Institution

  • The Central Bureau of Investigation is India’s premier investigative agency responsible for investigating corruption cases, economic offences, and serious crimes of national importance.

  • It functions under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

  • The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.

  • The agency was formally established in 1963 based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee.

  • Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946:

  • The law gave the agency statutory powers to investigate offenses related to corruption and bribery in central government departments and public sector undertakings.

  • The act primarily applies to the Union Territories and are extended to the states only with their consent

  • CBI cannot investigate a case within a state without the consent of that state’s government, unless directed by the judiciary (Supreme Court or High Court).

  • Selection Process of the CBI Director

  • The Director of the CBI is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on the recommendations of a high-powered Selection Committee.

  • The Selection Committee consists of:

  • The Prime Minister as Chairperson,

  • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (or leader of the single largest opposition party)

  • Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

  • Tenure of the CBI Director

  • The CBI Director is provided a fixed tenure of two years to ensure independence and stability in investigations.

  • The Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act, 2021 allows the Director’s tenure to be extended up to a maximum of five years.

  • However, such extensions can only be granted one year at a time.