Punjab Govt’s Challenge to CBI Probe Deferred by Supreme Court, No Interim Relief Yet

The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred to Friday the hearing on the Punjab government's plea challenging a High Court order directing the CBI to investigate alleged corruption involving people linked to the AAP-led state government.

A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu deferred the matter after the case file reached Justice Nagu late. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Punjab, sought an interim direction against any precipitative action, but the court said such an order could not be considered before both judges had an opportunity to examine the matter.

The state has challenged the October 5 Punjab and Haryana High Court order, which directed the CBI to register a criminal case and conduct a fair and transparent investigation into allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate. The High Court also asked the CBI to submit a status report within two months.

The High Court proceedings followed ED communications to Punjab's DGP concerning alleged corruption, including claims of cash for transfers, favourable policies and tenders. The first ED communication was received in the DGP's office on August 3 and marked to the Bureau of Investigation. The High Court questioned the subsequent delay in registering an FIR and said the material warranted an independent probe.

The case originated from a PIL filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf. The CBI later registered an FIR naming Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and five others.

The agency has since conducted searches at multiple locations, including the chief minister's camp office and premises linked to Ghuman, as part of its investigation into alleged manipulation of transfers, tenders, licensing and other official decisions.

Punjab has challenged the High Court order, citing provisions of the PMLA and Prevention of Corruption Act, besides the withdrawal of the state's general consent for CBI investigations.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter today. The allegations remain unproven.