West Bengal Government restores full CBI authority

The West Bengal Government has officially given back full authority to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) across the State. On Monday, the State issued a notification under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, allowing the CBI to operate throughout West Bengal.

Now, the CBI can investigate all offences listed under Section 3 of the Act, primarily corruption and economic crimes, as well as central cases that previously required separate approval. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said this decision brings back powers that the earlier Trinamool Congress Government had taken away. The TMC withdrew general consent on November 16, 2018, claiming the central agency was being ‘misused’. After that, the CBI needed special permission for each investigation, which slowed down probes into major scams, recruitment issues, and cooperative-sector fraud. Since the BJP won the 2026 Assembly election, Adhikari’s Government has taken a strong stand against corruption.

In mid-May, the Government approved sanctions under the Prevention of Corruption Act in some pending cases, allowing the CBI to file charge sheets against nine officials. Monday’s notification goes further by giving the agency full authority to work in the State. Legal experts say Section 6 consent matters because, without it, CBI officers do not have police powers in West Bengal.

This also affects ongoing investigations ordered by the Supreme Court or the Calcutta High Court. Restoring CBI powers now puts West Bengal in line with most other states that allow general consent, showing a move toward more cooperation between institutions. This decision is important both symbolically and practically. It responds to public worries about corruption under the previous Government.

Investigations that were delayed for years can now move forward faster. Critics of the old Government say the withdrawal of consent was meant to protect politically connected officials. The new order removes that obstacle. The decision also sends a clear political message: the era of selective federalism has ended.

By restoring the CBI’s mandate, Chief Minister Adhikari is focusing on accountability. In a state with a history of recruitment scams and governance issues, this move could help solve many old cases and rebuild public trust in investigations.