The BJP favours an independent CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).
Party national spokesman Chandan Mitra told mediapersons here on Wednesday that since the CBI has lost its credibility due to its political clout, its control should be transferred from the Government of India’s Department of Personnel to the lokpal in relation to all corruption cases referred to the lokpal.
The power of superintendence and direction of the CBI in relation to the lokpal-referred cases must vest with the lokpal, Mitra said.
In order to ensure independence of the CBI and ensure its immunity from political interference, the BJP wants that the Central agency should have two wings. While the CBI Director should head the entire organisation, a separate Directorate of Prosecution should function under him, the BJP leader said.
Suggesting that the investigative and prosecution wings act independently, Mitra said the Directors of CBI and Prosecution must be appointed by a collegium comprising the Prime Minister, leader of Opposition of lok Sabha and Chairman of lokpal and there should be fixed terms for both the directors. Besides, there should be no reemployment of both the Directors after their retirement, he said.
In case of an investigating officer being sought to be transferred for any reason whatsoever, the prior approval of the lokpal should be required. Similarly, the panel of advocates who appears for and advise the CBI should also be independent of the Government. They should be appointed by the Director of Prosecution after obtaining approval of the lokpal, Mitra said.
He flayed the UPA Government for not being sincere in passing the lokpal Bill, which would be an important institution to end corruption from the country. Though the UPA Government had assured to bring the Bill in December 2012, it did not bring the redrafted legislation even during the last Budget session. “This attitude of the UPA shows that it does not want that corruption should be curbed,” he remarked.