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

THE Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the Central government on a petition seeking the appointment of the regular director to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

After hearing advocate Prashant Bhushan, a division bench of Justices L Nageshwara Rao and Ravindra Bhat asked the Centre to file its reply within two weeks.

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.

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).

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.