📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
Bihar expands CBI investigative powers, retains state nod for probing officials
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 06 Sep 2026, 12:22 AM
👁 4
The Bihar government has broadened the Central Bureau of Investigation's jurisdiction and continued to give its consent for CBI probes into state officials, according to an official notification.
The state administration of Bihar issued a formal notification on Thursday that widens the scope of investigations that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can undertake within the state. The order expands the categories of cases that the central agency may probe, allowing it to examine a broader range of alleged misconduct by public servants.
In addition to the expanded jurisdiction, the notification confirms that Bihar will continue to provide the requisite state consent for any CBI inquiry that targets state officials. This consent is essential under the Supreme Court's guidelines, which require state approval before the central agency can investigate matters involving state personnel.
The move comes amid ongoing debates over the balance of power between state governments and central investigative agencies. By retaining its nod for CBI probes, Bihar signals cooperation with the central authority while also seeking to ensure that investigations are conducted within a clear legal framework.
In addition to the expanded jurisdiction, the notification confirms that Bihar will continue to provide the requisite state consent for any CBI inquiry that targets state officials. This consent is essential under the Supreme Court's guidelines, which require state approval before the central agency can investigate matters involving state personnel.
The move comes amid ongoing debates over the balance of power between state governments and central investigative agencies. By retaining its nod for CBI probes, Bihar signals cooperation with the central authority while also seeking to ensure that investigations are conducted within a clear legal framework.