Selection process of CBI director is unjust, the recommendations of LoP and CJI not considered

The proceedings of the committee consisting of LoP, CJI and the PM has been ignored the statutory tasked for the recommending the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are unjust and unfair. 

In a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, May 12, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP)in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his dissent regarding the proceedings of the committee tasked with recommending the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The letter serves as a sharp critique of the current administrative handling of institutional appointments, with Gandhi alleging that the selection process has been reduced to a mere formality designed to install a pre-decided candidate.

The Modus Operandi being advised by law should include the LoP, PM, and the CJI have been adopted in selection of CBI director. When the Narendra Modi Government deliberately ignored the nation's expectations and the judicious actions of one sided selection of the CBI director was unlawful and against the national interest.

The serious lapses over what was described as the “institutional capture” and repeated misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation by the current government to target political opponents, journalists, and critics. 

There is a need to emphasise that the inclusion of the Leader of Opposition in the selection committee is intended precisely to prevent such capture.  Unfortunately, the Narendra Modi Government has claimed that all the concerned have  consistently denied the Chief Justice of India (CJI),  PM and the LoP  for lawful and meaningful role of CBI director in the judicious process.

The government deliberately withheld crucial information required to make an informed decision. While the LoP Gandhi noted that despite repeated written requests, he was not provided with the self-appraisal reports or “360-degree reports” of the eligible candidates.

The impracticality of the situation, stating that the CJI and LoP expected to examine the appraisal records of 69 candidates for the first time during the committee meeting itself. An outright denial of 360-degree reports makes it impossible to accurately assess each candidate’s history and performance, thereby making a mockery of the legal selection framework.

The letter also highlighted a history of unaddressed grievances, with the LoP Gandhi reminding the Prime Minister that he had recorded similar dissent in a previous meeting on May 5, 2025. The LoP further mentioned a follow-up correspondence sent on October 21, 2025, which suggested specific measures to ensure a fair and transparent process, but claimed that Lop has never received a response forget about consulting CJI. which is most unfortunate

By denying the committee vital information, the government has treated the role of the Leader of the Opposition as a rubber stamp. The Government cannot abdicate the constitutional duty of LoP by informally participating in what termed as a  biased exercise.