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• Recently, the credibility of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been called for question. Discuss the reasons and suggest remedial measures to improve its credibility.

07-04-2023

Q: Recently, the credibility of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been called for question. Discuss the reasonsand suggest remedial measures to improve its credibility.

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Answer :

Introduction: Describe briefly about CBI.
Body: Mention the reasons for declining credibility and also suggest measures.
Conclusion: Summarize the topics and conclude with positive feedback.

Answer: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigation agency and derives their power from Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

Reasons for declining credibility in CBI:

• Corruption: Several charges of corruption and its employees have been charged with accepting bribes. For instance, in May 2022, CBI arrested its four officials on corruption charges.
• Political involvement: Political intervention and influence have harmed the integrity and independence of the CBI. For instance, concerns about political influence were raised in 2018 when CBI head Alok Verma was fired. 
• Efficiency: Slow in wrapping its investigations and bringing charges. For instance, the inquiry into Augusta Wetland Fraud (2020) was condemned.
• Lack of resources: Lack of adequate housing discourages officers from states to join the CBI, which is facing a staff crunch, a parliamentary panel report stated in 2017.
• Lack of accountability: Lack of oversight procedures, and employees being charged for acting outside the bounds of the law. For instance, the way the investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020.

Steps to be taken:

• Legal Framework: The Central government should tighten its laws. As an illustration, the Lokpal, and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 which created a separate anti-corruption authority, was passed.
• Non-intervention: The central government should refrain from the CBI’s investigations. The Supreme Court also asked the government to give the CBI additional autonomy in 2019.
• Process streamlining: To avoid delays, the CBI should be encouraged to streamline its investigation and prosecution procedures.
• Specialized training: To improve the skills and capabilities of CBI officials, the central government should offer them specialized training.
• Public confidence: The central government should endeavor to restore public confidence in the CBI by guaranteeing accountability and transparency. The CBI should regain its credibility to enhance its effectiveness in fighting crimes. This would lead to increased public confidence in the agency’s ability to bring the guilty to justice, deter others from engaging in corrupt activities and improve law and order.