Supreme Court Orders CBI Inquiry into Arunachal Contracts Linked to CM's Family

The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to launch a preliminary inquiry into allegations that public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to firms linked to family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The order, issued by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, covers contracts from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025, with the CBI required to submit a status report within 16 weeks on whether a full investigation is needed.

The directive stems from public interest litigations filed by nongovernmental organizations Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, which accused the state government of favoritism in granting contracts worth over Rs 1,270 crore to companies associated with Khandu, his wife Tsering Dolma, nephew Tsering Tashi, and other relatives. Petitioners, represented by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, alleged violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act and ministerial code of conduct, claiming tenders were awarded out of turn, at inflated rates, and sometimes without proper processes.

According to court filings and arguments, firms such as Brand Eagles,...