Question : PENDING CASES WITH CBI

MINISTER OF THE STATE (Independent Charge) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF THE STATE (Independent Charge) IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCE; MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE PRIME’S MINISTER OFFICE; MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS;AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 413 FOR 25.8.2010

(a): As on 31.7.2010, 1021 cases are pending with CBI for investigation.

(b): CBI investigates cases with inter-state and transnational ramifications. Therefore details are not maintained State wise. The number of cases disposed of by CBI for the last three years is as below:

Sl.No.	Details of cases	2008	2009	2010 (till 31.7.2010)

1.	Cases registered	991	1119	648

2.	Cases disposed from	1127	1127	615	investigation

3.	Cases under	1005	988	1021	investigation	at the end of	the year

4.	Disposal from trial	642	719	381

(c) & (d): The accused can be pronounced guilty or otherwise only after the completion of trial in Courts. The number of persons acquitted and convicted is part of the individual case record and such data is not maintained centrally. During the last three years, the details of cases disposed of from trial are as follows:

S.	Year	Cases disposed	Cases ended	Cases	Cases	Cases
No.	of from trial	in Conviction	ended	Discharged	disposed	in	of	acquittal	otherwise

1	2008	642	382	166	29	65

2	2009	719	435	212	28	44

3	2010	381	257	87	5	32	(till	31.7.2010)

The reasons for acquittal, inter alia, are hostility of witnesses, non-availability of witnesses due to change of addresses or death, non-traceable or misplaced documents in old cases, and on the basis of appreciation of evidence by the Courts.

(e): The registration, investigation and disposal of cases is a continuous process. However, the main reasons for pendency of cases are, inter alia, complicated nature of cases taken up by CBI, time taken in collection and scrutiny of voluminous documents, examination of large number of witnesses, scientific and forensic examination of exhibits, obtaining expert legal advice and stay of investigation by Courts.

Government has taken several steps to reduce the pendency. These steps, inter-alia, include implementation of information technology tools and services for speedier documentation and communication; modernization of laboratories and facilities for scientific examination; improvement of training infrastructure to enhance the skills for investigation; delegation of enhanced administrative and financial powers to improve efficiency and decision making; and grant of one time relaxation for filling up deputationist posts of SPs/Dy. SPs by way of promotion.

In order to facilitate speedy trial of cases investigated by the CBI, the Government has decided to set up 71 additional Special Courts, approved 284 posts of Prosecuting Officers with supporting staff and notified a new scheme for engaging Law Officers on contract basis for a period up to five years.