Supreme Court Takes Action Against Arunachal Pradesh Officials
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has summoned the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) of Arunachal Pradesh. This decision comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported a lack of cooperation from the state in its ongoing investigation against Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The allegations involve favoritism in awarding public works contracts.
CBI’s Status Report and Court’s Concerns
The Bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, reviewed a status report submitted by the CBI. This report emerged following an April directive from the Court, which tasked the CBI with probing allegations against Khandu. According to the CBI, obtaining necessary records from the Arunachal Pradesh government has proven challenging.
“The status report submitted on behalf of the CBI dated July 17 indicates non-cooperation by the state government in providing required documentation,” the Court noted. Consequently, a notice was issued to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) to address these concerns.
Court’s Directive for Personal Appearance
The Court ordered both officials to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for August 24. They are expected to provide responses to the CBI’s report and elucidate the reasons behind the lack of cooperation and non-compliance with the Court’s directives.
Origins of the Case
The case originated from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO Save Mon Region Federation. The PIL sought an investigation by the CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into claims that public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to companies associated with Khandu’s family and close associates.
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The petitioners alleged that the state was being managed akin to a private enterprise by the Chief Minister. They highlighted that development projects valued at approximately ₹1,245 crore were tendered, alongside an additional ₹25 crore in work orders. Companies implicated include M/s Brand Eagles, owned by Khandu’s wife, and M/s Alliance Trading Co, owned by his nephew and MLA Tsering Tashi. These contracts were reportedly awarded despite clear conflicts of interest, violating anti-corruption regulations.
Previous Court Orders
In March 2025, the Supreme Court instructed the Union Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs to submit reports clarifying the allegations. On April 6, 2026, the Court directed the CBI to initiate a preliminary inquiry within two weeks. If necessary, an investigation into public works contracts and work orders executed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025, was to follow.
The Court also mandated the Arunachal Pradesh government to fully cooperate with the CBI, appoint a nodal officer for coordination, and ensure the preservation of all relevant records.
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Stay tuned for live coverage as the Supreme Court delves into the CBI’s status report concerning allegations against Arunachal CM Pema Khandu over public contracts allocation.
