In response to a lawsuit filed by the West Bengal government, the Centre has clarified that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operates independently of its control. The Centre emphasized that the CBI is not subordinate to the Union of India and has the authority to conduct investigations as per its mandate.
The West Bengal government had filed an original suit in the Supreme Court under Article 131 of the Constitution, alleging that the CBI had been initiating investigations and filing FIRs despite the state’s withdrawal of general consent for such actions within its jurisdiction. The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the West Bengal government’s plea challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order for a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali until July.
The Calcutta High Court had earlier directed a CBI investigation into these allegations, prompting the West Bengal government to move the Supreme Court to challenge the order. The CBI had registered an FIR against five individuals and unknown others in connection with the ongoing probe following the Calcutta High Court’s directive.
