Bihar govt. restricts CBI power; State nod mandatory to probe against its employees
The Bihar government has issued a notification requiring the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to obtain state permission before investigating state public servants. This move restricts the federal agency's reach within the state, though it does not apply to investigations involving central government employees.
Why it matters
This reflects ongoing tensions regarding federalism and the jurisdiction of central investigative agencies over state-level officials in India.
The Bihar government has issued an order regarding actions taken by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against State government officials. It will now be mandatory for the CBI to obtain prior permission from the State government before initiating any investigation, search, interrogation, arrest, or other action against any public servant posted under the Bihar government.
The CBI will not be able to take any such step without prior permission. However, the notification issued by the Home Department on September 3, 2026 clearly stated that the CBI will not require permission from the State government to take action against Central Government employees.
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