New Delhi, Aug 31: As many as 7,072 corruption cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were pending trial in courts across the country as of December 31, 2024, with 379 of them dragging on for more than 20 years, according to the latest Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) annual report.
The anti-corruption watchdog noted that 2,660 cases were pending for over 10 years, a matter it termed “a serious concern.” Of the total, 1,506 cases have been pending for less than three years, 791 for three to five years, 2,115 for five to 10 years, and 2,281 for 10 to 20 years.
In addition, 13,100 appeals and revisions filed by the CBI and accused individuals were pending before various high courts and the Supreme Court, the report revealed. Among these, 606 cases have been pending for more than 20 years, while nearly 3,000 cases have remained unresolved for over a decade but less than 15 years.
During 2024, courts delivered judgments in 644 corruption cases. Of these, 392 ended in conviction, 154 in acquittal, 21 in discharge, and 77 were “disposed of for other reasons.” The conviction rate stood at 69.14 per cent, slightly lower than 71.47 per cent in 2023.
The CVC report further stated that 807 new cases were registered by the CBI in 2024, including 674 regular cases and 133 preliminary enquiries. These included 222 trap cases to detect bribery and 43 cases related to disproportionate assets. The agency completed investigations in 1,005 cases last year, but 832 remained pending.
At the end of 2024, 529 corruption cases were still under investigation, with delays attributed to excessive workload, inadequate manpower, delays in prosecution sanction, Letters Rogatory, scrutiny of voluminous records, and difficulties in locating witnesses in remote areas.
The CVC reiterated that CBI investigations are expected to be completed within one year of registration, but acknowledged persistent delays in several cases. (Agencies)
