Parliamentary panel suggest new law for CBI to probe national security cases without state consent

New Delhi: With eight states having withdrawn general consent to the CBI in investigating cases in its jurisdiction, a Parliamentary panel has suggested enacting  a new law to allow the country's premier investigation agency to probe cases without states' consent, which will affect national security and integrity.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice also recommended lateral entry in specialist areas like cyber crime and forensics in the CBI.

In its report on the Demands for Grants 2025-26 for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the panel headed by senior BJP MP Brij Lal said the withdrawal of general consent by eight states limit CBI's ability severely to investigate corruption and organised crime. 

"To address this problem, the Committee feels a separate/new law granting CBI wider investigative powers without state consent for cases affecting national security and integrity may be enacted by taking views also from state governments. The law should also include safeguards to ensure impartiality, preventing state governments from feeling powerless," it said. 

"This reform is essential to ensure timely and unbiased investigations, prevent delays which will not undermine public trust. The Committee urges action on this front which will strengthen the authority of CBI keeping in view the federal balance," it said.

Emphasising that shortage of suitable nominations for deputation with the CBI is a matter of serious concern as it is affecting the agency's operational efficiency, the panel recommended the development of an independent recruitment framework by allowing direct recruitment for core ranks like Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy SPs), Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors through Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or a dedicated CBI exam.

"It should also introduce lateral entry for specialists in cybercrime, forensics, financial fraud, and legal domains," it said.

The DoPT told the panel that the primary reasons for the shortage of manpower in CBI is due to manpower crunch in lending departments, reluctance of state police forces, procedural delays in documentation and inadequate identification of skilled personnel.

"Administrative bottlenecks in processing nominations delay appointments, impacting critical cases. Addressing these challenges requires institutional reforms, streamlined processes, and better incentives to attract and retain skilled personnel," it said.