Centre Extends CBI Director Praveen Sood’s Tenure
Rahul Gandhi expressed dissent over the selection process.
By : Amresh Srivastava
Update: 2026-05-13 17:29 GMT
NEW DELHI: The Centre has approved a one-year extension for Praveen Sood as director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a day after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his strong dissent over the new CBI chief's selection process, accusing the government of “institutional capture” of the agency to target political opponents, critics.
The decision was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on the recommendation of a selection panel comprising Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Sood’s tenure has been extended by one year beyond May 24, 2026. He was appointed CBI director on May 25, 2023, for a two-year term and had earlier received a one-year extension.
Rahul Gandhi expressed dissent over the selection process. “I have written to the Prime Minister recording my dissent from the CBI Director selection process. I cannot abdicate my constitutional duty by participating in a biased exercise. The Leader of Opposition is not a rubber stamp,” he said.
In a separate note, he said, “By denying the Selection Committee crucial information, the government has reduced it to a mere formality. The leader of the opposition is not a rubber stamp.”
Officials said the extension was approved following deliberations of the high-powered committee.
The extension marks Sood’s continuation in office amid disagreement within the selection panel over the process.