The West Bengal government has reinstated the “general consent” to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for launching corruption investigations in the state without prior approval. However, a condition has been imposed that the CBI must seek permission from the state government if the inquiry involves a state government official.
Previously, the Trinamool Congress-led state cabinet had revoked the CBI’s “general consent” in 2018, limiting the agency’s options for probing cases in West Bengal. The new government has now reversed this decision, granting the CBI the authority to investigate under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
Even after the withdrawal of consent in 2018, the CBI continued to file FIRs in corruption cases in the state. The previous government had challenged the CBI’s actions in court, including instances where the Calcutta High Court ordered investigations by the agency. The Union government argued that states cannot impede investigations for political reasons.
