Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Topic: governance

Why in the news?

• The Global Operations Centre of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has facilitated the return from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of a person wanted by the Gujarat police for allegedly being the mastermind of an international gambling racket.

Source: The Hindu 

About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): 

• It is the premier investigating police agency in India.
• It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
• It functions under the superintendence of the Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India.
  • However, for investigations of offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
• It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
• It is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
• In 1963, the CBI was established by the Government of India with a view to investigate serious crimes related to defence of India, corruption in high places, serious fraud, cheating and embezzlement and social crime, particularly of hoarding, black-marketing and profiteering in essential commodities, having all-India and inter-state ramifications.
• With the passage of time, CBI started investigations in conventional crimes like assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, crimes committed by extremists, etc.
• The Central Government can authorize CBI to investigate a crime in a State but only with the consent of the concerned State Government.
• The Supreme Court and High Courts, however, can order CBI to investigate a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State.