PIL seeking appointment of regular CBI director filed in SC; says proper appointment needed to uphold rule of law

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the appointment of a regular director to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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

As per 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).

The plea, filed by NGO Common Cause through advocate Prashant Bhushan, 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.

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 interim/acting CBI Director till the appointment of the new CBI Director, or until further orders.