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CBI Director Praveen Sood gets another one-year extension
Praveen Sood received a further one-year extension as CBI Director, approved by the ACC on May 13, 2026, extending his tenure beyond May 24, 2026. The decision followed the Selection Committee's recommendations. A day earlier, a high-powered committee discussed the appointment of the next CBI Director, with opposition dissent over the process.
Why It Matters
The extension maintains leadership of India's premier investigative agency during a contentious selection process, highlighting tensions between the government and the opposition over institutional independence.
Timeline
3 Events
May 13, 2026: ACC approves one-year extension for CBI Director Praveen Sood
May 13, 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved another one-year extension for CBI Director Praveen Sood, based on recommendations of the Selection Committee. The extension extends his tenure for a year beyond May 24, 2026.
May 12, 2026: High-powered committee meets to decide next CBI Director
May 12, 2026
A high-powered committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to decide on the appointment of the next CBI Director. The panel also included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and the Leader of Opposition. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s residence (7, Lok Kalyan Marg) and lasted over an hour. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi submitted a dissent note accusing the government of institutional capture and criticizing the process for not providing self-appraisal or 360-degree reports of eligible candidates.
May 2025: First one-year extension for Praveen Sood after two-year CBI term
May 2025
Praveen Sood was granted a one-year extension in May 2025 after completing a two-year term as CBI chief.