Bhopal: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has become a contentious issue, not only between political parties but also between the Central government and various states. Opposition-ruled states have been withdrawing their consent for CBI probes within their jurisdictions, and now, BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh has joined this list.
The Mohan Yadav government in Madhya Pradesh recently announced that the CBI will require written consent from the state authorities before initiating any inquiry within its jurisdiction. This decision, published in a notification on Tuesday, has retrospective effect from July 1.
Specifically, the CBI must now obtain written permission from the Madhya Pradesh administration to investigate private individuals, government officials, or any entities within the state. This requirement aligns with Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which mandates state government consent for CBI investigations.
Before Madhya Pradesh, states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, and Telangana had already issued similar notifications, effectively barring the CBI from launching probes without explicit permission. Interestingly, Maharashtra, under Uddhav Thackeray, initially followed suit but later reversed the decision under the Eknath Shinde-led NDA government.
Simultaneously, a Parliamentary panel has recommended enacting a law that allows the CBI to investigate cases without state “interference.” However, the panel also emphasized the need for safeguards to ensure the CBI’s objectivity and impartiality, preventing states from alleging discrimination against them.
