SC allows CBI, ED to lead Reliance Group probe, says it cannot decide the course of investigation
The Supreme Court of India has declined to intervene in the ongoing investigation into financial fraud allegations against the Reliance Group and Anil Ambani. The court stated that it will not dictate the investigative strategy of the CBI and ED, allowing the agencies to proceed independently.
Why it matters
Sets a legal precedent regarding the separation of powers between the judiciary and investigative agencies in high-profile corporate fraud cases.
The Supreme Court on Monday (July 13, 2026) refused to question the choice of people arrested during the investigation into allegations of financial fraud against the Reliance Group (formerly the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group or ADAG) and its promoter Anil Ambani. The court allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to steer the probe.
A three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant exercised restraint even as the petitioner’s side highlighted that the investigation had so far only seen the arrests of “low-level” officers. Appearing for the petitioner, E.A.S Sarma, advocate Prashant Bhushan continued to term Mr. Ambani as “the kingpin”. The senior lawyer said he was not rooting for Mr. Ambani’s arrest, but that the probe agencies should at least disclose “what they have found about the role played by him”.
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