Govt files affidavit on CBI autonomy

In an effort to bring in more autonomy in the functioning of CBI, the Centre today filed a 41-page affidavit in the Supreme Court. The Centre said recommendations of the GoM on making CBI autonomous has been filed in the affidavit. The apex court was told that the appointment of the CBI director is to be made by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India or a SC judge. The Prime Minister will be the chairman of the committee. The Government told that the Centre will not try to influence any probe conducted by the CBI in any manner . The government also stated that the CBI director is to hold the post for not more than two years and cannot be transferred without the consent of the committee. The Central government also added that the CBI director shall be removed from office only by order of the President. The Centre proposed setting up of an accountability commission to inquire into allegations against CBI officials.