Supreme Court: West Bengal Can Challenge CBI’s FIR Registration

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of West Bengal in its dispute with the Union government over the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) jurisdiction within the state. The case centered on West Bengal’s withdrawal of blanket consent for CBI investigations in 2018, which the agency contested by continuing its probes despite the state’s objection.

Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta upheld West Bengal’s position under Article 131 of the Constitution, which governs disputes between states and the Centre. The Court dismissed objections from the Union, affirming that once consent was revoked, the CBI lacked the authority to investigate crimes within the state’s borders under central government oversight.

This ruling has significant implications for the balance of power between states and the Centre, particularly regarding federal agencies like the CBI. It underscores the nuanced relationship between state autonomy and central supervision in India’s legal framework, shaping future interpretations of law enforcement authority. #SupremeCourt #WestBengal #CBI #FederalJurisdiction