New CBI law sought to ensure agency's independent working

The draft report of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on the telecom spectrum controversy says the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) needs to be insulated from external influence or pressure.

It has recommended that a statement on the stages of investigation of various cases with the CBI be presented every six months.

The draft report calls for legislation to replace the Delhi Special Powers Act, 1946, under which CBI was set up. In its report, it has suggested the appointment of CBI’s director follow the modified procedure for appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner. Besides, it has pointed to the acute shortage of officers in the executive rank, which has put a lot of burden on the agency, even as it gets more handling of complex cases.

The draft report has also disapproved CBI's first information report (FIR) in the scam, lodged against unknown persons, who were later identified, chargesheeted and some arrested. “CBI should identify and name the persons while lodging an FIR, in order to foster transparency and inspire public confidence,” it says.