Centre tells SC it can’t convene committee to appoint CBI director as opposition leader is unavailable

THE Central Government Monday informed the Supreme Court that a High Powered Committee (HPC) to appoint the CBI director will not be convened till May 2 due to the non-availability of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha and a member of the HPC.

The affidavit was filed by the Centre in response to a petition seeking the appointment of the regular director to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The plea, filed by NGO Common Cause, also sought a direction to the Central Government to, in future, initiate and complete the process of selection of the CBI Director well in advance – at least a month or two before the date on which the vacancy in the post is about to occur.

Also Read: SC sends notice to Centre on plea seeking appointment of regular director to the CBI

The plea said a proper appointment as per the statutory law was necessary for upholding the rule of law.

Under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the appointment of a CBI director is made by a High Powered Committee comprising the Prime Minister, leader of the single largest opposition party and the Chief Justice of India (or any Judge of Supreme Court nominated by CJI).

It said government had failed to appoint the CBI Director as per Section 4A of the DSPE Act, on the expiry of the term of the last incumbent viz. Rishi Kumar Shukla on February 2 and had instead, appointed Praveen Sinha as an acting CBI Director till the appointment of the new CBI Director, or until further orders.

The top court will now hear the matter on May 15.