The Union government on Wednesday extended the tenure of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood by one year beyond May 24, 2026, according to an official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Sood, a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Karnataka cadre, was appointed as CBI Director in May 2023 for an initial two-year term. He had earlier received a one-year extension in 2025, making this the second extension of his tenure. The extension was approved following a meeting of the high-powered selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Reports said the panel deliberated on possible successors before recommending continuation of the incumbent chief.
The CBI chief is appointed under the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act. The law provides for a fixed two-year tenure, which can be extended annually for up to three additional years in public interest. Before taking charge of the CBI, Sood served as Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police and earlier held key positions including Bengaluru Police Commissioner.