CBI Director Praveen Sood Likely to Get One-Year Extension
In a significant development, the high-level committee responsible for appointing the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) convened on May 5, 2025, but failed to reach a consensus on a successor. As a result, incumbent CBI Director Praveen Sood is likely to receive a one-year extension beyond his current term, which concludes on May 25, 2025.
CBI Director Appointment Process
The appointment of the CBI Director is determined by a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him. This committee met at the Prime Minister’s Office to deliberate on the appointment.
As per Supreme Court guidelines established in 2019, candidates considered for the position must have a minimum of six months of service remaining. Additionally, the tenure of the CBI Director is fixed at two years under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, and any transfer before the completion of the term requires the consent of the appointing committee.
Praveen Sood’s Tenure
Praveen Sood, a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Karnataka cadre, assumed the role of CBI Director on May 25, 2023. Prior to this, he served as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka. With the committee unable to finalize a successor, Sood is expected to continue in his role for an additional year to ensure continuity in the agency’s leadership.
Implications of the Extension
The anticipated extension of Praveen Sood’s tenure underscores the challenges in achieving consensus among the appointing authorities. It also highlights the importance of stability in the leadership of the country’s premier investigative agency, especially during times when high-profile investigations and institutional integrity are under public scrutiny.
As the CBI continues its mandate to investigate complex and sensitive cases, the leadership’s continuity is seen as vital for maintaining the agency’s effectiveness and public trust.
