In the absence of a recognised leader of Opposition, the Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in the lok Sabha to include the leader of the largest Opposition party in the panel to select the head of the CBI.
Amid noisy scenes and walkout by Opposition parties, the lok Sabha took up the Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2014, Bill under which the absence of any of the three members of the selection committee to choose CBI Director will not obstruct the exercise and make the decision of appointment invalid.
Minister of State for Department of Personnel and Training Jitendra Singh moved the Bill for consideration and sought to allay apprehensions on the legislation saying it was brought by the Congress during its tenure but it could not imagine that there would not be a leader of Opposition (loP) in the 16th lok Sabha
The Panel for selection of CBI chief constitutes the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and loP in lok Sabha. At the moment, there is no loP in the house but the amendment Bill would ensure that loP or leader of the single largest party would have the representation in the panel. The term of the incumbent CBI Director Ranjit Sinha is ending on December 2.
Singh said the change in the Act was being made to ensure that the crucial decision on selection of CBI Director does not remain in “suspension” or is delayed just because one of the three members is not present.