The country’s Chief Justice NV Raman on Friday said the credibility of the CBI has come under scrutiny in recent years. The credibility of the CBI has come under public scrutiny with the passage of time as its action and inaction have raised questions in some cases. He also called for an independent apex body to bring different types of investigative agencies under one system.
The Chief Justice of the country said, ‘When it comes to CBI, there was a lot of public trust in it in the initial phase. In fact, the judiciary used to get several requests for transfer of investigation to CBI as it was a symbol of impartiality and independence. Justice Raman said, “Whenever citizens doubted the skill and impartiality of their state police, they demanded a CBI probe as they wanted justice to be done. But, with the passage of time, like every reputed institution, the CBI has also come under intense public scrutiny. Its actions and inaction have raised questions about its credibility in some cases.
Chief Justice was speaking on the topic ‘Democracy: Role and Responsibilities of Investigative Agencies’ at the 19th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture of CBI. He said that there is an urgent need to constitute an umbrella body to bring various agencies like CBI, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Enforcement Directorate (ED) under one roof.
Chief Justice himself told how to make law
Justice Ramana said the body should be created under a law which clearly defines its powers, functions and duties. “The head of the institution may be assisted by expert deputations from various fields. This umbrella organization will eliminate duplication of proceedings.
Investigations by multiple agencies weaken the evidence
The Chief Justice said, “These days there are many instances when a case is investigated by multiple agencies, which often leads to dilution of evidence, contradictions in statements. It will also save institutions from being blamed as a tool to harass. Justice Ramana observed that the police and investigative agencies may have real legitimacy, but yet as institutions they still have to achieve social legitimacy. He said, ‘Police should work impartially and focus on prevention of crime. They should also work with the cooperation of the public to maintain law and order in the society.
CBI has many achievements
Justice Ramana observed that the CBI as an institution has many achievements and in the process many of its personnel have put their health and lives at risk. The Chief Justice said, ‘Some have even made the supreme sacrifice. Despite all this, it is ironic that people shy away from approaching the police in times of despair. The image of the institution of the police has been regretfully tarnished by allegations of corruption, police excesses, lack of impartiality and close ties to the political class.