The Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s anti-corruption bureaus (ACBs) and empowered state police personnel have the authority to prosecute central government officials for corruption and there is no need for any approval or consent from the CBI. The High Court has taken the correct view while saying that it is incorrect to say that it is only the CBIwho could have instituted the prosecution,” the Supreme Court said. Does such jurisdiction lie exclusively with the CBI and itsapproval is needed to proceed in such cases? n Can a chargesheet that the state’s anti-corruption bureau has filed against a central government official before a court without obtaining the CBI’s approval be considered valid in law? The high court had ruled there was no embargo on the state ACB or police to prosecute a central government employee for graft and no prior consent or approval of the CBI was required.

Source: The Telegraph January 20, 2026 23:33 UTC