After SC ruling, Modi govt brings ordinance; extends tenure of CBI & ED directors up to 5 years

The Narendra Modi govt has brought in an ordinance to extend the tenure of chiefs of Central Bureau of Intelligence and Enforcement Directorate to five years.

The present tenure of the central government agency chiefs is two years.

"Provided that the period for which the Director of Enforcement holds the office on his initial appointment may, in public interest, on the recommendation of the Committee under clause(a) and for the reason to be recorded in writing, be extended up to one year at a time," the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 said.

The chiefs of the top agencies can be given extensions, as per the ordinance, every year for up to three years after they complete the two-year term.

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Pertinently, the Supreme Court verdict recently noted in the case linked to the extension of Enforcement Director SK Mishra, that 'extensions should be given only at extraordinary circumstances'.

Mishra's two-year tenure will be over in November this year.

"Provided further that no such extension shall be granted after the completion of a period of five years in total including the period mentioned in the initial appointment," the ordinance said.