National interest demands a strong, impartial CBI. The loss of trust in the agency among opposition ruled stat – The Times of India Blog

Supreme Courts disapproval of states withdrawing general consent to probe cases for CBI brings into focus the distrust between Centre and states. A number of opposition ruled states had withdrawn the general consent that allows CBI to investigate cases in their jurisdiction. Unlike the CBI which is constrained by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act to seek consent from state governments, other premier central investigating agencies like NIA arent hamstrung by such a requirement.

Despite states withdrawing general consent, on a number of occasions high courts and Supreme Court have overridden the frivolous objections of state governments to order CBI inquires. At the root of the problem is the perception among opposition politicians that the Centre can force CBI to do its bidding in cases with political implications. The opposition has raised the argument that it is only politicians in their ranks who face action from central agencies.

Read also: States withdrawing consent to CBI not desirable position: SC

It remains to be seen how SC will address this issue. In the past, it had termed the CBI a caged parrot. The breakdown of federalism is a worrying development. Strong federal agencies are in national interest because big crimes often straddle state and national borders and state agencies may not have resources or jurisdiction to thwart such offences. It is in Indias interest to spare CBI from political meddling. But how to achieve this end remains the big question.

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National interest demands a strong, impartial CBI. The loss of trust in the agency among opposition ruled stat - The Times of India Blog