Punjab Moves Supreme Court
The Punjab government has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing the CBI to register a criminal case into alleged corruption linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office.
The Supreme Court has agreed to list the plea, but declined to hear it on an urgent basis on October 6. The matter could be taken up on Wednesday or Thursday.
High Court Ordered CBI Investigation
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had on October 5 directed the CBI to register a case and investigate allegations involving senior state officials and Mann’s Officer on Special Duty, Rajbir Singh Ghuman.
The CBI was also asked to submit a status report within two months.
Allegations Stem From ED Letters
The case follows three communications sent by the Enforcement Directorate to Punjab’s DGP seeking action over alleged corruption.
The allegations include claims that intermediaries were used to influence government transfers and postings, access confidential documents, facilitate licences and secure government approvals in exchange for money or other benefits.
Punjab Challenges High Court Order
The state government has argued that the High Court ordered a CBI probe without sufficient material to establish a cognisable offence. Punjab has also raised concerns about the implications of the order for the federal structure.
The government filed its Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court early on October 6.
What the High Court Said
The High Court found that the material placed before it prima facie warranted registration of a criminal case and an independent investigation. It also questioned the Punjab Police’s handling of the ED communications.
The court directed the state police to cooperate fully with the CBI investigation.
Mann Has Rejected the Allegations
The allegations have triggered a political controversy in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has previously dismissed the accusations as baseless and alleged that central agencies are being used to target political opponents.
Supreme Court Hearing in Focus
The Supreme Court’s forthcoming hearing will determine whether the High Court’s direction for a CBI investigation remains in force. The case is also likely to raise broader questions about the limits of central investigations and the relationship between state authorities and central agencies.