Maharashtra Joins Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh To Block CBI From Probing Cases Without Seeking 'Consent'; Know All About It

The decision comes a day after after central probe agency registered an FIR in the TRP ‘scam’ case based on a reference from the Uttar Pradesh Police.

(File Photo/ AFP)

Mumbai: In a move to strip Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) powers, the Maharashtra government led by Uddhav Thackrey, withdrew the general consent of the state granted to the investigation agency to probe cases in the state on Wednesday. The decision comes a day after after central probe agency registered an FIR in the TRP ‘scam’ case based on a reference from the Uttar Pradesh Police. The case, which was earlier registered at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on a complaint of an advertising company promoter, was handed over to the CBI by the UP government. What does block CBI probe without general consent means? The decision implies that the CBI will need the state’s permission to enter its jurisdiction to carry out any investigation, effectively stripping the central agency of its powers to probe cases in the concerned state. While in the cases which are directed by the Supreme Court or High Court, such consent won’t be needed. Officials said the Maharashtra government’s decision would not impact the CBI investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput death case since this probe is being conducted on orders of the Supreme Court and not under provisions that require a state to give its consent. Other states that have blocked CBI's powers Unlike Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh in 2018 under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu withdrew the general consent, followed by West Bengal accusing the Central Government using probe agencies to destabilize the government at the state. In 2019, Chhattisgarh and in 2020 Rajasthan withdrew the consent. A pattern can be observed, as all the states that withdrew the consent are either ruled by or supported by Congress. Why the Maharashtra government took the decision? The order came on Wednesday, a day after Uttar Pradesh government directed the CBI to probe into the alleged Television Rating Points (TRP) scam. The Maharashtra government had viewed this move as an attempt by the UP government to lay the foundation for the CBI to disturb the ongoing probe by Mumbai police against Republic TV. Leaders of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra had called the CBI registering the case in the TRP scandal as an attempt to “dilute” the case against Republic TV. Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), brought the alleged scam into light, as the TRP is used to lure the advertisers, 4 satellite channels including Arnab Goswami led Republic TV was found in the manipulation of TRP. Until now, 8 people have been arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with the alleged scam.