Supreme Court Reserves Order on Arunachal Pradesh Contract Probe

The Supreme Court reserved its order on a plea requesting a CBI investigation into public works contracts awarded in Arunachal Pradesh to companies owned by Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria awaits written submissions to proceed further.

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a plea seeking a CBI investigation into contracts awarded to firms owned by the relatives of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. This decision follows allegations of corruption linked to contracts granted for public works projects in the state.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria has provided a two-week window for the counsels representing the parties involved to submit written arguments. The plea was brought forward by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, represented by Advocate Prashant Bhushan.

Bhushan emphasized a need for an independent probe by the CBI, voicing concerns over the impartiality of a state police investigation. In response to a request from the top court last December, the Arunachal Pradesh government is expected to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the contracts awarded from 2015 to 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)