Supreme Court agrees to hear urgently Punjab’s plea against CBI probe linked to CM Mann’s office
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to an urgent hearing regarding the Punjab government's challenge to a High Court order. The High Court had directed the CBI to investigate corruption allegations against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's office.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant tensions between state governments and central investigative agencies, raising questions about federalism and political interference during election cycles.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) agreed to urgently hear the Punjab government against a State High Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a case and probe allegations of corruption against the office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Appearing before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, senior advocates Vikas Singh and Shadan Farasat, for the State government, said the order violated the very basic principles of federalism. Mr. Singh said the State was poll-bound, and a Central agency has been ordered to investigate allegations.
Mr. Singh said the allegations regard administrative matters like transfers, etc, but the High Court has ordered a criminal case to be registered. “This is a State going to polls soon. During election time, these kinds of cases are trumped up. The very federal structure has been violated,” he submitted.
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