What is CBI ?

1941: CBI traces it’s origin to the ‘Special Police Establishment’ (SPE) which was set up in 1941 by the WAR Dept.

of the Imperial Govt. of India. during WW II, there was a high scope for corruption to take place in the department and hence, a special; force was set up to keep a check and investigate into matters relating to bribery and corruption.

1946: Post the world war, there was a need felt for the establishment of a central agency to investigate cases of corruption by Central Govt. Employees.

The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 resulted in setting up of one such agency by the name DSPE. It was put under the charge of the Director - Intelligence Bureau. It covered all such cases under:

Terms and conditions of service of Director.—(1) The Director shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the rules relating to his conditions of service, continue to hold office for a period of not less than two years from the date on which he assumes office.
(2) The Director shall not be transferred except with the previous consent of the Committee referred to in sub-section (1) of section 4A.”

!963: Through a Home Ministry Resolution, the name of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) was changed to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A plain and simple reading of the above mandate of law would clearly establish that the Director of CBI is to be appointed in the manner prescribed but does not enjoy any special status w.r.t. his terms of services or his conduct.

1965: Over the years, CBI had gathered lump-some reputation in the field and hence, Central Govt (CG) starting using CBI at it’s disposal.

He being a member of the Indian Police Service is entitled to the protection of Article 311 of the Constitution of India but he can be removed as per the wishes of the central government. He can be made to face enquiry before the CVC or other agencies if required and there is no immunity attached to his post as such.

Many cases were started being given to the agency to solve in the field of: Bribery, Corruption, Breach of Fiscal Laws and other serious crimes.

He being a member of the Indian Police Service is entitled to the protection of Article 311 of the Constitution of India but he can be removed as per the wishes of the central government. He can be made to face enquiry before the CVC or other agencies if required and there is no immunity attached to his post as such.

All these were with respect to the Central Government employees initially.

All other staff of CBI can be prosecuted for their delinquency by their cadre controlling departments like the other government servants. There are instances of removal of the Director of CBI earlier. Besides this, CBI also keep a strict vigil on its officials as they are prone to misuse their power and authority and there are number of instances of raids on its own officials.

1969: With the Nationalization of many Banks then, the bank employees also came under the ambit of CBI’s investigative powers.

GENERAL Offences Wing: dealt with cases of bribery and corruption including the CG employees, and

ECONOMIC Offences Wing: dealt with cases of violation of various economic and fiscal laws.

1987: with time, more and more cases were being entrusted to the agency by the CG and the courts on public demand. Hence, two divisions were decided upon:

ANTI CORRUPTION Division: Corruption and Bribery related cases, and

SPECIAL CRIMES Division: Economic offences and Conventional crimes- like murder, rapes, inter-state and international rackets, and other IPC offences.

1988: The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 passed on the superintendence...

CBI to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in the investigation of offences; while in other matters it was the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions who was given the superintendence of CBI.

Though the main task of the CBI is to investigate cases of corruption.

It has to open a separate department to deal with banking offences, which also include the offences concerning financial institutions.

The CBI also acts as a nodal centre for the Interpol in India.

The Interpol is not an investigative agency but a facilitator that helps member countries in dealing with international crimes and absconders.