New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a high-level committee meeting at his office to discuss the appointment of the next Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, on Monday. The meeting included Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who together form the selection committee as mandated by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.

The committee deliberated on the future leadership of the CBI, with reports suggesting that the current Director, Praveen Sood, may receive a one-year extension beyond his term, which ends on May 25, 2025. Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre and former state police chief, has served as CBI Director since May 2023, succeeding Subodh Kumar Jaiswal.

The appointment process involves the committee shortlisting candidates, typically senior IPS officers, based on their experience, integrity, and seniority. The selected candidate is appointed for a fixed two-year term, extendable up to five years under exceptional circumstances, subject to the committee’s approval. This structured procedure ensures transparency and consensus in appointing the head of India’s premier investigative agency.

BI Bureau