Supreme Court summons Arunachal officials over probe into CM Khandu's alleged favoritism

The Supreme Court has summoned Arunachal Pradesh's chief secretary and principal secretary (home) to appear in person on August 24. The court expressed strong displeasure over the state government's alleged non-cooperation with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. This investigation centers on allegations that Chief Minister Pema Khandu steered government contracts towards firms connected to his family.

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We have perused CBI’s status report dated July 17. It reflects that there is non-cooperation at the end of the state government, as directed by this court on April 6. As such we deem it appropriate to issue notice to the chief secretary and principal secretary (home), Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the officials to explain why the state had failed to comply with specific directions issued by the court in April. The court reviewed a CBI status report from July 17, which indicated a lack of cooperation from the state administration. The bench questioned the CBI on the reasons for this non-cooperation and the delay in registering a formal case, noting that initial materials had been provided by the petitioner.

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Why is there non-cooperation? And what stops you from registering a case?

Appearing for the CBI, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj confirmed that the agency had been attempting to proceed with the preliminary inquiry but was awaiting crucial records from the state. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, argued that the collected evidence already warranted the registration of a criminal case. The Supreme Court's involvement stems from its April 6 judgment, which ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of non-transparent contract awards to firms linked to Khandu's family between 2015 and 2025. The court had previously emphasized the need for an investigation that not only is fair but also appears fair, given the serious concerns about public procurement integrity.

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We have been trying. We have sent notices to them but some relevant information are yet to be provided to us.