PULL UP YOUR SOCKS

Expressing concern over the falling credibility of investigative agencies, CJI NV Ramana stressed the need to set up an independent institution under which they can function and reclaim legitimacy and public trust

- Lokendra Malik

WHILE delivering the DP Kohli Memorial Lecture, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi a few days ago, Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana expressed concern about the falling standards of investigation by the Bureau.

He said: “With the passage of time, like every other institution of repute, the CBI has also come under deep public scrutiny as its actions and inactions have raised questions regarding its credibility in some cases." He also said: "When it comes to the CBI, it possessed immense trust of the public in its initial phase. In fact, the judiciary used to be flooded with requests for transfer of investigations to the CBI, as it was a symbol of impartiality and independence. Whenever the citizenry doubted the skill and impartiality of its own state police, they sought investigation by the CBI, as they wanted justice to be done.” He also appreciated the sacrifice made by its officers for the nation.

But he was also critical of the agency and sent out a message to it to improve its working culture, reputation and credibility. “The need of the hour is to reclaim social legitimacy and public trust. The first step to gain the same is to break the nexus with the political executive,” the CJI reminded the CBI.