Who will be the new Director of Central Bureau of Investigation? The present incumbent Anil Sinha has retired. The 1984-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, Rakesh Asthana, has been handed over temporary charge. Will he be the new boss of the investigative agency or will he remain ad hoc till the new incumbent takes over the reins. If everything goes by the rule book, the new Director has to be selected from 1979-batch IPS officers. Delhi Police Chief Alok Verma, DGP Maharashtra Police Satish Chandra Mathur, Bihar Cadre IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary, and BPRD Chief Meeran Chandra Borwanrkar are all from the 1979 batch and looking for the opportunity to serve. The selection of the new chief is done by a committee comprising the Prime Minister of India, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition. The CJI is retiring on January 3, 2017 and Justice JS Khehar will be the new Chief Justice of India. So, it appears the selection of the new CBI chief will not be completed before February-March 2017. Asthana can also continue as he is a time-tested, competent officer. He has the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. He is the officer who investigated the Godhra massacre. His professionalism can be vouched for in the way he has investigated the Agusta Westland helicopter deal. But, this is just one of the key appointments coming up in 2017. Also getting vacant are the posts of Director Enforcement and CBDT Chairman. All these posts play an important role in implementation of good governance and are key tools in the hands of present regime.