The Number of cases pending investigation in the CBI during last three years is as under:
| Period | Number of cases |
| As on 31.12.2007 | 1143 |
| As on 31.12.2008 | 1005 |
| As on 31.12.2009 | 988 |
The main reasons for the pendency are, time taken in collection and scrutiny of voluminous documents, examination of large number of witnesses, scientific and forensic examination of exhibits, obtaining expert advice and shortage of officers at the level of Supdt. of Police, Dy.SP etc.
Government has taken several steps to reduce the pendency. These steps, inter-alia, are:
(i) Implementation of information technology tools and services for speedier documentation and communication;
(ii) Modernisation of laboratories and facilities for scientific examination;
(iii) Improvement of training infrastructure to enhance the skills for investigation;
(iv) Delegation of enhanced administrative and financial powers to improve efficiency and decision making; and
(v) Giving one-time relaxation for filling up deputational posts of SPs / Dy. SPs by way of promotion.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Charge-Sheets Registered and Conviction by CBI
The information regarding year-wise overall rate of conviction in Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act cases and non-PC Act cases during the years 2000 to 2009 is as under:
| Year | Over all conviction rate (%) | Conviction rate PC Act cases (%) | Conviction rate in Non-PC Act cases (%) |
| 2000 | 71.9 | 70.7 | 71.6 |
| 2001 | 70 | 68.6 | 71.4 |
| 2002 | 68.7 | 68.1 | 69 |
| 2003 | 68.4 | 67.8 | 69.1 |
| 2004 | 66.3 | 67.1 | 64.9 |
| 2005 | 65.6 | 65.8 | 65.1 |
| 2006 | 72.9 | 73.2 | 72.5 |
| 2007 | 67.7 | 64 | 73.8 |
| 2008 | 66.2 | 67 | 64.6 |
| 2009 | 64.4 | 62.2 | 67.8 |
Number of Preliminary Enquiries (PEs) registered and PEs converted into Regular Cases in CBI during the years 2000 to 2009 is as under:
| Year | Total number of PE registered | Total number of PE converted into Regular Case |
| 2000 | 305 | 33 |
| 2001 | 217 | 56 |
| 2002 | 176 | 30 |
| 2003 | 168 | 36 |
| 2004 | 186 | 41 |
| 2005 | 190 | 83 |
| 2006 | 161 | 59 |
| 2007 | 80 | 33 |
| 2008 | 75 | 26 |
| 2009 | 134 | 22 |
| Total | 1692 | 419 |
Year-wise number of Regular Cases resulting in filing of charge-sheets and number of cases closed and number of charge-sheets ending in conviction during the years from 2000 to 2009 is as under:
| Year | RCs resulting in filing of charge sheet | Cases resulting in filing of Closure Reports | Charge sheets ending in Conviction |
| 2000 | 634 | 14 | 326 |
| 2001 | 606 | 121 | 292 |
| 2002 | 721 | 117 | 430 |
| 2003 | 718 | 119 | 391 |
| 2004 | 814 | 130 | 329 |
| 2005 | 794 | 91 | 341 |
| 2006 | 782 | 77 | 436 |
| 2007 | 851 | 99 | 426 |
| 2008 | 843 | 83 | 382 |
| 2009 | 806 | 93 | 435 |
| Total | 7569 | 944 | 3788 |
Year-wise conviction rate in non-trap cases charge-sheeted under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 during the period is as under:
| Year | Conviction rate of Non-trap cases (%) |
| 2000 | 68.3 |
| 2001 | 68.4 |
| 2002 | 68.9 |
| 2003 | 64.7 |
| 2004 | 63.5 |
| 2005 | 62.1 |
| 2006 | 72.7 |
| 2007 | 56.5 |
| 2008 | 62 |
| 2009 | 58.9 |
CBI functions in a federal set up where States have exclusive jurisdiction on the subject allotted to them under the Constitution. CBI has adequate powers under the present legislation i.e. Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 where the autonomy of the States is respected and their cooperation is always available to CBI for taking up any investigation required in public interest. Since a separate and exclusive enactment for CBI is already in existence namely the DSPE Act, 1946, the same is considered adequate .
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
CBI is having very important role and having scientific analysis to catch hold of culprits. It seems now a days the CBI was entrusted to Bank cases. In fact the cases are under securitisation Act. Still some pressure from Politicians, Ex-Officers of the CBI, forced to take up resulting which 35% of time will be wasted for no result.
Under the Direct tax acts, there are prescribed time limits for completion of assessment and other proceedings, howsoever large may be the scope for investigation. Is it not high time that the CBI also is law-bound to complete its investigations/proceedings within the same time limits?
And, are all CBI cases successful?