‘All Hell Will Break Loose’: Chidambaram Rejects Greater Powers for CBI, ED

Former Union home minister P Chidambaram on Friday opposed granting additional powers and autonomy to investigative agencies such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED), arguing that stronger oversight is needed to prevent their misuse.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the launch of former Intelligence Bureau special director Yashovardhan Azad’s book Policing the Republic, Chidambaram said the focus should be on internal reforms and independent supervision, rather than expanding the agencies’ authority.

Referring to the CBI, he said many of its officers are deputed from state police forces and are considered capable officials in their parent organisations. He questioned why their conduct could change after joining a central agency.

“Because of a lack of supervision and oversight, a caged parrot can sometimes become a pit bull,” Chidambaram said, stressing the importance of institutional checks and accountability. The Congress leader acknowledged that political interference could occur at both state and central levels, but maintained that officers should follow organisational hierarchy and professional discipline.

Chidambaram also rejected Azad’s suggestion that the CBI and ED should be given greater powers. He alleged that both agencies had exceeded their legitimate authority and argued that expanding their powers without adequate checks could have serious consequences.

Calling for external oversight, he said investigative agencies should be subject to parliamentary or legislative scrutiny, similar to arrangements in some other democracies. Citing the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, Chidambaram said he had introduced a provision requiring serious chargesheets to be vetted by an independent panel comprising a retired High Court judge and a senior police officer.

He also criticised the functioning of the Central Vigilance Commission, alleging that several cases approved by it had later ended in acquittals or had chargesheets rejected by courts. Earlier, Azad suggested that the Lokpal should supervise politically sensitive CBI cases, arguing that investigative agencies often remain ineffective because of political control.