Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to withdraw general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probes in the state. However, it will not be applicable to the cases currently being probed by the CBI.
The withdrawal of the consent will make it mandatory for CBI to seek the state's permission to initiate investigations. The cases ordered by the Courts or criminal cases will remain unaffected.
Speculations have come up that the state government decided to review the general consent in the wake of Vadakkanchery Life Mission scam being probed by the agency despite it being ordered by the government to be investigated by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.
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The Communist Party’s (Marxist) Polit Bureau had also raised allegations that the Central Government's vested interests have been directing the CBI probes. Following which, the Communist party’s national leadership had suggested the Government of Kerala to withdraw the consent.
Following this, the State Cabinet met and decided to withdraw the general consent for CBI investigations in the state. Delhi Police Special Police Establishment act, 1964 empowers CBI to take up cases in states. As per the act, the CBI can take up cases anywhere in India. In addition, the act also includes a clause which allows the state government to assent on the cases to be investigated by the CBI.
Rajasthan had also withdrawn the general consent for CBI investigation alleging that the BJP government has politicised CBI investigations acting as per the Centre's interest.
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