Why in News:
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has granted a one-year extension to CBI Director Praveen Sood, extending his tenure until May 2027.
Key Facts: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Establishment: Set up in 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs; it now functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- Legal Status: It is not a statutory body. It derives its powers to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
- Nodal Agency: It is the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
- The Selection Committee: As per the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013), the CBI Director is appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of:
- The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or Leader of the single largest Opposition Party)
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by him.
- Tenure of Director: The Director of CBI has a security of tenure of two years (as per the Vineet Narain Case). However, the Central Government can extend this tenure annually for up to five years in total.
- Dissent Notes: In the selection process, committee members (like the Leader of Opposition) have the right to record a dissent note if they disagree with the selection criteria or the transparency of the process.
- Jurisdiction:
- CBI can investigate cases in States only with the “General Consent” of the concerned State Government.
- However, the Supreme Court and High Courts can order the CBI to investigate a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State.
- Santhonam Committee: The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhonam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).

