Meghalaya withdraws general consent for CBI probe
Recently, Meghalaya has become the ninth state to withdraw the general consent for investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Earlier, Mizoram and seven other states (Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Kerala) withdrew the consensus for a CBI probe.
General Consent:
- The CBI is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPD) Act, 1946. Therefore, before initiating an investigation into a crime in a state, it has to compulsorily obtain the concurrence of the concerned state government.
- Consent can be either for a particular case or can also be general.
- “General Consent” is usually given by the states to assist the CBI in hassle free investigation of corruption cases against the central government employees in their state.
What does it mean to withdraw General Consent?
- This means that, CBI will no longer be able to register any new case relating to Central Government officials in the State or any private person in the State without the consent of the State Government.
- However, by the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the CBI can be ordered to investigate such offenses anywhere in the country without the consent of the State.
About CBI
- It is the principal investigative agency of the Central Government to investigate corruption and major crimes.
- It is not a legal body. It derives its powers from the DSPE Act, 1948.
- It functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Source – The Hindu
