India has two main bodies that fight corruption at the Centre. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) watches over vigilance in government offices. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigates serious crimes and corruption cases. Both grew out of one report, the Santhanam Committee. Exams ask about their origin, status, members, appointment and term. This post explains both in simple words. It ends with 15 previous year questions.
Key Points (Quick Revision)
- The CVC was set up in 1964 on the advice of the Santhanam Committee.
- It became a statutory body under the CVC Act, 2003.
- The CBI was set up on 1 April 1963 by a resolution of the Home Ministry.
- The CBI draws its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
- Neither the CVC nor the CBI is a constitutional body.
1. The Santhanam Committee
In the early 1960s, the government set up a Committee on Prevention of Corruption. It was headed by K. Santhanam. The committee worked from 1962 to 1964.
It made two key suggestions:
- Set up a Central Vigilance Commission to guide and check vigilance work.
- Set up a central investigating agency, which became the CBI.
So both bodies have a common root. Exams often ask which committee led to them.
2. The Central Vigilance Commission - origin and status
The CVC was set up in February 1964 by an executive resolution of the government. At first it had no law behind it.
Its status changed in steps:
- 1997 - in the Vineet Narain case, the Supreme Court asked for statutory status for the CVC.
- 1998 - the government gave it statutory status through an ordinance.
- 2003 - Parliament passed the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
Today the CVC is a statutory body. It is not mentioned in the Constitution.
3. CVC - members, appointment and term
The CVC is a multi-member body. It has:
- A Central Vigilance Commissioner as the chairperson.
- Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners.
They are appointed by the President by warrant under hand and seal. The President acts on the advice of a three-member committee:
- The Prime Minister as head.
- The Union Minister of Home Affairs.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
They hold office for four years or until they turn 65, whichever comes first. After this, they cannot take any further job under the Central or State governments.
The President can remove them on grounds such as insolvency or a crime of moral turpitude. For misbehaviour or incapacity, the President can remove them only after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
4. CVC - functions
The CVC is an advisory body. It does not investigate cases itself in the way the police do. Its main work is:
- To inquire into complaints of corruption against certain public servants of the Centre.
- To superintend the working of the CBI in cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
- To review the progress of corruption cases and give advice to ministries.
- To receive complaints from whistle-blowers. In 2004 the government named the CVC as the agency for such complaints.
The CVC sends an annual report to the President, who places it before each House of Parliament.
The CVC also leads Vigilance Awareness Week. It is held in the week of 31 October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. The CBI - origin and status
The roots of the CBI go back to the Special Police Establishment, set up in 1941 to probe bribery in war-time supplies. Its powers were later placed in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
The CBI was set up on 1 April 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Key facts:
- The CBI is not a statutory body in its own name. It takes its legal powers from the DSPE Act, 1946.
- It now works under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- Its motto is "Industry, Impartiality, Integrity".
- It is the National Central Bureau of Interpol for India.
6. CBI - Director and working
The CBI Director is appointed on the advice of a three-member committee, as set out in the DSPE Act after the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:
- The Prime Minister as chairperson.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, or the leader of the single largest opposition party.
- The Chief Justice of India, or a Supreme Court judge named by the Chief Justice.
The Director has a fixed tenure of at least two years. A 2021 amendment allows the term to be extended by one year at a time, up to five years in all.
The CBI needs the consent of a State government to investigate a case in that State, under Section 6 of the DSPE Act. Some States have withdrawn their general consent. Courts can still order a CBI probe without State consent.
7. CVC vs CBI
| Point | CVC | CBI |
|---|---|---|
| Set up | 1964 | 1963 |
| Legal basis | CVC Act, 2003 (statutory) | Executive resolution; powers from DSPE Act, 1946 |
| Nature | Advisory and supervisory | Investigating agency |
| Head appointed on advice of | PM, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition | PM, Leader of Opposition, CJI or nominee |
| Term | 4 years or age 65 | At least 2 years, up to 5 with extensions |
8. Previous year questions
- On whose recommendation was the Central Vigilance Commission set up? – Santhanam Committee
- In which year was the CVC set up? – 1964
- Under which Act did the CVC become a statutory body? – Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
- In which case did the Supreme Court ask for statutory status for the CVC? – Vineet Narain case (1997)
- How many Vigilance Commissioners can the CVC have besides the chairperson? – Not more than two
- Who appoints the Central Vigilance Commissioner? – The President
- What is the term of the Central Vigilance Commissioner? – 4 years or till age 65
- To whom does the CVC submit its annual report? – The President
- When was the CBI set up? – 1 April 1963
- From which Act does the CBI get its powers? – Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946
- Under which ministry does the CBI work? – Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
- What is the motto of the CBI? – Industry, Impartiality, Integrity
- Who heads the committee that recommends the CBI Director? – The Prime Minister
- Is the CBI a constitutional body? – No
- Vigilance Awareness Week is linked with whose birth anniversary? – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
9. How to revise this topic
Start with the common root: the Santhanam Committee led to both the CVC and the CBI.
Next, fix the dates: CBI 1 April 1963, CVC 1964, Vineet Narain 1997, CVC Act 2003.
Then compare the two selection committees: CVC - PM, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition; CBI - PM, Leader of Opposition, CJI.
Finally, remember the terms: CVC 4 years or 65; CBI Director at least 2 years, up to 5.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Central Vigilance Commission?
It is the apex vigilance body of the Central government. It was set up in 1964 on the advice of the Santhanam Committee and became a statutory body under the CVC Act, 2003. It is not a constitutional body.
Who appoints the Central Vigilance Commissioner?
The President, on the advice of a committee of the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The term is four years or until the age of 65.
Is the CBI a statutory body?
No. The CBI was set up by a resolution of the Home Ministry in 1963. It takes its legal powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
How is the CBI Director appointed?
On the advice of a committee of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or a judge named by the Chief Justice.
Does the CBI need State consent to investigate?
Yes. Under Section 6 of the DSPE Act, the CBI needs the consent of the State government to investigate in that State. A constitutional court can still order a CBI probe.
For more Polity topics in simple language, see our Lokpal and Lokayuktas, CAG of India and NHRC posts, or browse the Polity section. Preparing for a central exam? Start with the SSC CGL guide or join the 100 Hour GS Course.