New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to decide the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, was attended by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna – members of the statutory committee responsible for selecting the CBI chief.
The meeting comes ahead of the retirement of incumbent CBI Director Praveen Sood, an IPS officer of 1986 batch from Karnataka cadre, who is scheduled to demit office on May 25, 2025, after completing his two-year tenure. Mr Sood took charge in May 2023, succeeding Subodh Kumar Jaiswal (IPS:1985:MH).
No Consensus on Successor
According to official sources, the selection committee remained divided over potential candidates, and no consensus was reached during Monday’s discussions. As a result, Praveen Sood is likely to receive a one-year extension, as permitted under the existing rules.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had earlier submitted a list of eligible IPS officers for consideration. However, with the panel failing to agree on a new appointee, the government is expected to notify the extension of Sood’s tenure in the coming days.
Extension Under Statutory Provisions
As per the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which governs the functioning of the CBI, the Director’s tenure is fixed for two years but may be extended for up to one additional year under special circumstances.
Praveen Sood, who previously served as Director General of Police, Karnataka, has been overseeing several high-profile investigations at the central agency.
