7.3. Functions of CBI

The functions of CBI are:

♤ Investigating cases of corruption, bribery and misconduct of Central government employees.

♤ Investigating cases relating to infringement of fiscal and economic laws, that is, breach of laws concerning export and import control, customs and central excise, income tax, foreign exchange regulations and so on. However, such cases are taken up either in consultation with or at the request of the department concerned.

♤ Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications, committed by organized gangs of professional criminals.

♤ Coordinating the activities of the anti-corruption agencies and the various state police forces.

♤ Taking up, on the request of a state government, any case of public importance for investigation.

♤ Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information.

The CBI is a multidisciplinary investigation agency of the Government of India and undertakes investigation of corruption-related cases, economic offences and cases of conventional crime. It normally confines its activities in the anti-corruption field to offences committed by the employees of the Central Government and Union Territories and their public sector undertakings.

It takes up investigation of conventional crimes like murder, kidnapping, rape etc., on reference from the state governments or when directed by the Supreme Court/High Courts.

The CBI acts as the “National Central Bureau” of Interpol in India. The Interpol Wing of the CBI coordinates requests for investigation-related activities originating from Indian law enforcement agencies and the member countries of the Interpol.