Centre opposes CBI plea in SC for more powers to its chief

New Delhi: The Centre on Friday opposed in the Supreme Court the CBI's plea that its Director should get more powers and that his tenure should be increased to three years.

The Centre told the court that creating an all-powerful CBI Director's post, without adequate checks and balances, would be against Constitutional principles.

The Centre opposed the CBI's stand that there is no need for the Accountability Commission and said the external watchdog was imperative. The government said it is also against vesting complete disciplinary control of 'Group A' officers with the CBI Director.

The CBI's plea for an independent committee headed by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for sanction to probe senior officers was also opposed by the government.

On removal of the CBI Director, the Centre told the court that the Director is removed by the President of India on recommendations of the CVC.

The Centre maintained in court that there is no interference in the functioning of the CBI Director and the officer has been given financial powers equivalent to that of DG, CRPF.

(With additional information from PTI)