India’s premier investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has often been accused of being an ally of the ruling party. The role of the CBI, along with the likes of the ED, the income tax department, and even the Election Commission of India has come under the scanner, especially in the last seven years. Increasingly, opposition parties and activists have accused the ruling BJP of misusing these agencies to harass political opponents and social activists. Amidst all of this, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Friday said that the CBI, through its “actions and inactions,” has often raised “questions on its credibility.”
Speaking at a function of the central agency, he also suggested that the need of the hour is to “reclaim social legitimacy and public trust” and the first step towards that “is to break nexus with political and executive.” This is a huge statement coming from the CJI at a time when the credibility of central agencies like the CBI is at an all-time low. Justice Ramana has hit the right note at the right time. This was a much-needed wake-up call for the CBI. Coming from the CJI, this statement definitely will make headlines. The only question is whether the CBI will heed the suggestion of the CJI and make efforts to improve its image. Most probably the answer will be no. However, this will lead to a new debate over the role of the CBI in India and hopefully, it will have some positive impact on the working culture of the CBI.