New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials say that while they have had no problems in getting sanction for investigation, in high profile cases, of government employees as required under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, the change in law effected in 2018 has taken away the element of surprise, and perhaps helped wrongdoers.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of 17A, with Justice BV Nagarathna saying it is unconstitutional and needs to be struck down, while Justice KV Viswanathan termed it constitutional and stressed on the need to protect honest officers. It will now be referred to a larger bench by the Chief Justice of India.

"In high pr...