Supreme Court Grants Additional Time To Central Government For Reply In CBI Investigation Case

The Supreme Court has granted the Central Government additional time to file its reply on a petition demanding that the government issue guidelines to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to conduct investigations within a time-bound framework.

The court has given the Central Government four weeks to submit its response. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for July.

Amicus Curiae Appointment Under Consideration

During the hearing, the court indicated that it would consider appointing an amicus curiae to assist in the case during the next hearing.

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The petition, filed by advocate Manish Pathak, highlights the significant delays in investigations, with over 2,500 cases currently pending with the CBI.

Petitioner Highlights Delays In Filing Replies And Ongoing Investigations

The petitioner informed the bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjeev Khanna, that the Central Government had failed to file a reply in the last four years.

The petitioner also pointed out that numerous investigations by the CBI face significant delays, with no set timeline for completion.

Lack Of Guidelines Blamed For Investigation Delays

The petitioners argued that the delay in investigations stems from the absence of clear guidelines under the Delhi Police Establishment Act, 1946, and the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2013.

The plea contends that, without such guidelines, investigations often lack the necessary direction, leading to delays and concerns about the possibility of tampering with evidence by accused individuals.

The petition seeks to establish a framework that ensures timely investigations and prevents undue delays that could hinder justice.

The Supreme Court’s decision to further extend the time for a reply and consider an amicus curiae signals its commitment to addressing these concerns and improving the efficiency of investigations conducted by the CBI.