Parliament nod to Bills extending tenures of CBI, ED chiefs

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 14

Two Bills extending the tenure of directors of the CBI and Enforcement Directorate by up to five years from the present two years got the Parliament nod with the Rajya Sabha today approving these by voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition. The Bills were passed by the Lok Sabha last week.

The Bills — the Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2021, and Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021 — will replace the ordinances issued by the government last month. Earlier, House Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh had proposed clubbing the two Bills for debate, but after objection by some Opposition members, the Bills were taken up separately.

Members of the Congress-led Opposition walked out soon after Harivansh turned down Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s request to revoke the suspension of the 12 Opposition members.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) members were not present when the Bills were taken up.

On the Bill for extension of the CBI Director’s tenure, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said earlier there was no upper limit on the tenure. It was only stipulated that the person appointed Director would remain in the post for a minimum of two years.