Punjab has joined eight other Opposition-ruled states to withdraw general consent extended to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations in the state. The move came days after Jharkhand issued similar orders.
In a notification issued on Sunday, the Amarinder Singh government said it was withdrawing general consent and “prior consent of the Government of Punjab” would be required in the future, on a “case-to-case basis” for any future investigation.
“The Government of Punjab hereby withdraws the general consent accorded to the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment, anytime herein before. In view of revocation of all previous general consents issued earlier, prior consent of the Government of Punjab shall be required, hereinafter, on a case-to-case basis for investigation of any offence or class of offences,” the notification said.
Previously, eight other Opposition-ruled states, including Kerala, Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, had also withdrawn general consent, alleging that the Centre was misusing the agency to harass political opponents.