SC summons Arunachal's top bureaucrats over 'non-cooperation' in CBI probe against CM Pema Khandu

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta and Principal Secretary (Home) Abhijit Sinha after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that the State government was not cooperating with its inquiry into allegations of irregularities involving Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took note of a status report filed by the CBI, which claimed that investigators were facing difficulties in securing official records required for the probe. Observing that the allegations raised concerns over compliance with its earlier directions, the Bench directed both senior officials to appear in person before the Court on August 24 and explain the alleged lack of cooperation.

CBI Flags Missing Records

The Court said the CBI's report indicated that the State government had failed to provide records necessary for the investigation. Taking a serious view of the allegations, the Bench sought responses from the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home).

The judges directed the two officers to remain present on the next date of hearing with written explanations addressing the CBI's observations. They have also been asked to clarify why the State allegedly failed to comply with the Supreme Court's earlier orders requiring full assistance to the investigating agency.

The development marks a significant escalation in the matter, as the Court has now sought direct accountability from the State's top administrative officials rather than relying solely on submissions made by the government.

Probe Ordered Into Contract Awards

The case arises from a public interest litigation filed by the Save Mon Region Federation, which alleged large-scale favouritism in the award of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh.

The petition claims that contracts and work orders worth nearly ₹1,270 crore were awarded to firms allegedly linked to the Chief Minister's family members and close associates. Among the entities named are M/s Brand Eagles, reportedly owned by Khandu's wife, and M/s Alliance Trading Co., allegedly owned by his nephew and MLA Tsering Tashi.

According to the petitioners, the contracts were awarded despite apparent conflicts of interest and in violation of anti-corruption norms. They further alleged that the State administration functioned "like a private company" under the Chief Minister's leadership.

Supreme Court's Earlier Directions

The Supreme Court has been monitoring the matter for over a year. In March 2025, it directed the Union Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs to submit reports on the allegations.

Finding the issues serious enough to warrant an independent examination, the Court on April 6, 2026, ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry within two weeks. It also authorised the agency to launch a full-fledged investigation, if required, into public works contracts and work orders issued between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025.

At the same time, the Court instructed the Arunachal Pradesh government to fully cooperate with the CBI, appoint a nodal officer to coordinate the investigation, and ensure that no official records connected to the case were destroyed or tampered with.

Focus Shifts To Compliance

The latest hearing shifts the spotlight from the allegations themselves to the State government's compliance with judicial directions. By summoning the State's highest-ranking bureaucrats, the Supreme Court has signalled that it views any obstruction of a court-monitored investigation with seriousness.

The proceedings on August 24 are expected to determine whether the alleged lack of cooperation was administrative in nature or amounted to wilful non-compliance with the Court's orders. Depending on the responses of the two senior officials and the CBI's further submissions, the Court may decide the future course of the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the award of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh.