Supreme Court summons Arunachal Chief Secretary, Home Secretary for non-cooperation in CBI probe against CM Pema Khandu

The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged non-cooperation by the State in its probe against Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was considering a status report filed by the CBI pursuant to the Court's April order directing a probe into the allegations of favouritism in the allotment of public works contracts involving Khandu.

After perusing the report, the Court observed that the investigating agency had flagged difficulties in obtaining records from the State government.

"The status report submitted on behalf of CBI dated July 17. A perusal of the same reflects that there is non cooperation on behalf of the state government with respect to furnishing records. We deem it appropriate to issue notice to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home)," said the Court.

The Court directed both senior officials to personally appear before it on the next date of hearing on August 24.

"Both the aforesaid officers shall remain present before this court along with their response to the aforementioned report of the CBI and also explain as to why there is non cooperation and non compliance of the directions of this court," ordered the Court.

The case stems from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Save Mon Region Federation. The PIL had sought a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations that public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to firms linked to Khandu's family members and close associates.

The petitioner had moved the Court alleging that the State of Arunachal Pradesh was being run like a private company by the Chief Minister.

According to the petitioners, development projects worth approximately ₹1,245 crore were allotted through tenders, with an additional ₹25 crore issued as work orders. It specifically named M/s Brand Eagles, owned by Khandu's wife, and M/s Alliance Trading Co, owned by his nephew and MLA Tsering Tashi, alleging that the contracts were awarded despite conflict of interest and in violation of anti-corruption norms.

In March 2025, the top court had asked the Union Ministry of Finance and Union Ministry of Home Affairs to file a report and come clear on the allegations.

On April 6, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the CBI to initiate a preliminary enquiry within two weeks. It also added that, if warranted, CBI may carry out an investigation into public works contracts and work orders executed between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2025.

Additionally, the Court had directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to extend full cooperation to the CBI, appoint a nodal officer for coordination, and ensure that no records were destroyed.

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