Punjab has moved the Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order directing a CBI probe into corruption allegations concerning Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s OSD. The state filed an SLP seeking urgent hearing.
Punjab Moves SC Against CBI Probe Order in CM's OSD Case
The Punjab government has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court, challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a criminal case into corruption allegations linked to the Office of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The petition, filed at around 1:42 am on October 8, 2026, seeks to stay the probe.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing the state, urged the Supreme Court for urgent listing, citing potential interference with executive functioning and sensitivity of the allegations. The High Court had intervened following a public interest petition alleging misuse of office and financial irregularities involving the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
The matter raises key questions about judicial oversight of state executive actions and the scope of CBI autonomy. While the Supreme Court has previously upheld the authority of high courts to direct CBI investigations under Article 226, states often contest such directions as encroachments on administrative control. The outcome may influence how high courts exercise supervisory jurisdiction in politically sensitive cases. Litigators should monitor the Court’s approach to federalism and executive accountability in corruption matters.
Citations
- State of Punjab v Nikhil Saraf
