Coalgate scam hearing had brought the ire of the Apex Court against the Government for making CBI a “caged parrot”. With scams galore, incessant demand came from the civil society for giving CBI autonomous status if we really meant that it should be an effective organization in checking corruption. Anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare is part of our history and need not be recounted. But the Government did feel the heat of Supreme Court’s anger, and in reaction, appointed Group of Ministers to suggest how CBI could be insulated against political interference. The recommendations have been made and the Cabinet will consider these in due course of time. There is no question of giving autonomy to CBI but what is suggested is to set up a panel of retired judges to oversea the investigations of the agency. Reform in the selection process of Director CBI and enhancement of his financial powers has also been recommended. Amendments to Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, governing CBI will also have to be brought about. These may be corrective measures and are likely to bring about some change, but the main question is that will these steps really contribute to CBI acting as an impartial and non-committed organization that will not accept political interference. The suggested reforms should not be just eye-wash. With all said and done, the CBI will remain a Government organization. Being assigned very sensitive duties, one wonders if it will really remain immune to political pressures. We think that reforms suggested by the Group of Ministers should be brought to the public domain for extensive and intensive debate before these are accepted by the cabinet.
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