Incumbent CBI Chief Praveen Sood's tenure extended by one year

A high-level selection panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly failed to reach a consensus on Sood's successor

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood has been granted a one-year extension, days before the end of his original two-year term on 25 May. The decision comes after a high-level selection panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly failed to reach a consensus on his successor during a meeting on Monday.

 

Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, was serving as the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) before being appointed CBI Director on May 25, 2023.

 

The Prime Minister chaired the committee meeting at his office, which was also attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, earlier this week. The three-member committee is constitutionally responsible for appointing the CBI chief, as per guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. Reports suggested that Sood's tenure as the panel was unable to agree on a candidate who met the eligibility criteria or satisfied all members.

 

According to a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, no officer with less than six months of service left is eligible for appointment as CBI Director. The same ruling also stipulates that the minimum tenure must be two years, and any premature removal or transfer requires the selection committee’s consent.