Parliamentary panel seeks legislative backing for CBI

Terming the existing legislation governing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) grossly inadequate, a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday suggested “solid” statutory backing for the agency through a separate new act.

The Committee, in its report tabled in Parliament last year on demands for grants, had recommended a legislation on the lines of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 so that the agency can probe corruption cases throughout the country without the states’ consent.

Later, the government, in its action taken report on the panel's recommendation, had said no proposal was being considered for the purpose as there is already a separate legislation for CBI-- Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1947 as amended by CVC Act, 2003.

The panel, which tabled its report in the Parliament on Wednesday, claimed that the DSPE Act, 1946 is grossly inadequate to cater to the agency.

“The Committee is of the considered view that a solid statutory backing is needed for CBI and that the DSPE Act, 1946 is grossly inadequate to cater to CBI which is an organisation whose mandate has increased manifold.

“Therefore, the Committee recommends that in the event of enacting a fresh statute for CBI not found to be feasible, requisite amendments may be made in the DSPE Act, 1946,” the panel suggested in the report asking Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to give an action taken report in this regard.