SC asks Centre, states to make functional CBI courts

The court had on January 30 directed the Centre to set up 22 special CBI courts within two months across the country while making it clear that it was not satisfied with the reasons and explanations given by the authorities concerned.  

“We have been passing orders since 2011... But every time you come out with reasons and explanations. If you wish, you can do it within an hour,” the bench had observed.  

The court had earlier taken cognisance of a letter written by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to chief ministers in July 2009 for creation of additional special courts.  

The government had in 2009 decided to set up 71 additional special courts exclusively for trial of CBI cases in various states.