Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)- UPSC Notes

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation is the premier investigating police agency in India. It function under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances,

CBI is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body; it derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act of 1946.

It is also the nodal police agency in India, which coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol Member countries.

Evolution of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• The origin of the CBI lies in the Special Police Establishment (SPE), set up in 1941 by the Government of India in the wake of World War II.
• The SPE was set up to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions with India’s War & Supply Department during World War II.
• After independence, the need for a central agency to investigate the cases of bribery and corruption by the central government was felt.
• The Delhi Special Police Establishment (DPSE) Act was, therefore, enacted in 1946. The act transferred the superintendence of the SPE to the Home Department and extended its functions to cover all departments of the Union government.
• Over time, demand was felt for a central police agency capable of investigating not just instances of bribery and corruption but also offences related to central fiscal laws, significant frauds involving government departments, public joint-stock companies, passport frauds, crimes on the high seas, offences on airlines, and severe crimes committed by organised gangs and professional criminals.

Consequently, the Government of India established the Central Bureau of Investigation through a resolution on April 1, 1963.

Motto, Mission and Vision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• Motto: The motto of the CBI is “Industry, Impartiality and Integrity”.
• Mission: To uphold the Constitution of India and the law of the land by conducting thorough investigations and successfully prosecuting offences; to offer leadership and direction to Police forces, serving as the central agency for promoting cooperation in law enforcement at both interstate and international levels.
• Vision:

1. 1. Fighting corruption in public life and curbing economic and violent crimes through thorough investigation and prosecution.
   2. Help fight cyber and high technology crime.
   3. Develop effective systems and procedures for successful investigation and prosecution of cases in across law courts.
   4. Ensure a healthy work environment that encourages team-building, accessible communication and mutual trust.
   5. Assist state police and law enforcement agencies in national and international cooperation, particularly in the context of enquiries and investigation of cases.
   6. Safeguard human rights and preserve the environment, arts, antiques, and the heritage of our civilisation.
   7. Play a lead role in the war against national and transnational organised crime.
   8. Strive for excellence and professionalism across all aspects of functioning, enabling the organisation to attain high levels of endeavour and achievement.
   9. Cultivate a scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

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