Fix time frame for graft case probes, CBI tells RS panel

NEW DELHI: The CBI has demanded time-bound trials in corruption cases, saying such matters should be decided by courts within two years since the rich and influential facing graft charges manage endless delays in courts to weaken cases against them.

The country's premier investigating agency, in its presentation before the Rajya Sabha select committee on the Lokpal Bill, stated that it is unfair to blame it for high value corruption cases probed by the agency not resulting in conviction of the accused. This has been revealed in the documents tabled by the panel in Parliament, along with its report.

Asked about the growing perception that the CBI is ineffective in cracking cases of corruption in high places, its outgoing director AP Singh replied :"As far as corruption involving important people is concerned, the only result-oriented solution is to have time-bound tri- als, which should end in two years."

Singh agreed with the perception that trials of rich and powerful are often endless. "How long a case would drag depends on how influential the accused is, since they can engage important and costly lawyers," he said.

The CBI chief said there have been instances of corruption cases being decided in courts after 20 years. "Is there any meaning of deciding a case so late?" Singh observed.

He said it was important to be responsive to the growing anger in the country against graft and the notion about antigraft cases not being investigated properly, could only be dispelled by ensuring time bound trials.