Central Bureau of Investigation – A Need for Overhaul

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's premier anti-corruption watchdog, is currently suffering from diminishing credibility due to the tug-of-war between the Centre and states. As many as 7 states have revoked general consent because the agency is accused of being a "caged parrot" that sings the Centre's tune. Yet, the CBI remains the first port of call for governments to signal that they favour fair probe insulated from politics that may hinder the local police. To strengthen this aspect of the agency, reforms must be made to enable it to be transparent, accountable and autonomous.