SC Opens Door for State Police to Probe Central Govt Corruption Cases

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The Supreme Court has ruled that state police can investigate corruption cases against central government employees under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This decision allows state authorities to file chargesheets without requiring prior permission from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to the court, state police can register cases and investigate bribery, corruption, and misconduct by central government employees under Section 17 of the PC Act. While the CBI typically handles corruption cases, the Supreme Court upheld a Rajasthan High Court order that allowed the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate a central government employee. The court emphasized that offences under the PC Act are cognizable, meaning they can be investigated by state police. This ruling aims to prevent duplication of work and streamline corruption investigations. The decision has significant implications for corruption cases involving central government employees and may lead to more effective investigations and prosecutions.