New Delhi: A total of 60 departmental cases against CBI officers remain pending, according to the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) latest report. Of these, 22 cases have been pending for over four years.
“Delay in cases against CBI officers affects the reputation and credibility of the country’s premier investigative agency,” the CVC stated in its annual report for 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, 39 cases against Group ‘A’ officers and 21 cases against Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ officials were pending at various stages. The CVC oversees the CBI in matters related to investigations under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.
The report also examined delays in cases awaiting prosecution sanction for corrupt officials. By the end of 2024, 200 cases from 46 organizations were pending prosecution sanction under the PC Act. In total, 534 requests had been made for sanction, as some cases involved multiple accused. Of these, 106 cases had been pending for over three months.
Authorities are expected to decide on prosecution sanctions within three months, with an additional month allowed if consultation with the Attorney General or other law officers is needed. The CVC regularly reminds relevant authorities to expedite decisions in cases exceeding the mandated time limits.
Additionally, 72 references involving 171 officers were pending with various organizations for prior approval under Section 17A of the PC Act (as amended in 2018), which requires prior authorization before investigating corruption-related offences by public servants. “The commission advises authorities regularly to ensure prompt disposal of investigation requests from the CBI,” the report noted.
The CVC also highlighted significant vacancies within the CBI. Out of the sanctioned strength of 7,300 as of December 31, 2024, only 5,798 officials were in position, leaving 1,502 posts vacant. The largest gaps were in executive ranks (887), followed by ministerial staff (503), technical officers (57), law officers (48), and canteen staff (7).
