Courts can order CBI probe without states' nod: SC

New Delhi, Feb 17: The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday, Feb 17, that the courts can order CBI probes into cases without the consent of state governments.

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said such powers have to be exercised cautiously by the apex court and the High Courts.

Earlier, the state government's nod was needed for a CBI probe.

However, the Bench said that such powers have to be used sparingly in exceptional and extraordinary circumstances in cases having national and international ramifications.

The apex court further said, such powers are vested to the courts to ensure protection of fundamental rights of citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution.

OneIndia News