When asked about the presence of Bagrodia at the July 19 function, CBI said he was not formally invited, but as per tradition the guest was not turned away.
The former Minister spent considerable time at the function which was held at the official residence of the CBI Director, sources said.
The reception saw the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the new Chief Justice of India P. Sathasivam along with other political leaders and senior officials.