Supreme Court Summons Top Arunachal Officials Over Alleged Non-Cooperation in CBI Contract Probe
The Supreme Court of India on August 3, 2026, ordered the personal appearance of top Arunachal Pradesh administrative officials following allegations from the Central Bureau of Investigation regarding a lack of cooperation in an ongoing preliminary enquiry. The investigation involves allegations of administrative favouritism in the award of government contracts to entities linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family members over a ten-year timeframe.
What Happened
A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta reviewed a status report submitted by the CBI following earlier court orders. The agency informed the court that the Arunachal Pradesh administration had failed to furnish requested documents concerning public contracts. In response, the court issued notices ordering the state’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) to appear in person on August 24, 2026, alongside their formal response explaining the reported non-compliance and non-cooperation.
Key Highlights
- Official Summons: The Supreme Court instructed Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) to appear before the court on August 24, 2026.
- Period of Investigation: The preliminary enquiry relates to public works contracts allocated in Arunachal Pradesh between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025.
- Nature of Allegations: Public interest litigation filed by the Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena alleges that high-value development projects, particularly in Tawang district, were awarded to firms connected to the Chief Minister and his family without proper competitive processes.
- CBI Findings: The agency’s status report highlighted procedural irregularities, including oral work orders, missing approval records, and non-compliance with established procurement manuals.
- Arguments in Court: Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, requested the court to direct the registration of a First Information Report, arguing that gathered material indicates irregularities. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the CBI, stated that the agency requires all requested records from the state before proceeding further.
- State Defense: The state government pointed to a 2015 statutory provision permitting contracts up to ₹50 lakh to be awarded via direct work orders without special technical requirements, aimed at providing local employment opportunities.
Why This Matters
The Supreme Court previously directed the CBI to examine whether open tender rules were bypassed, if competitive transparency was compromised, and how payments and beneficial ownership operated across the named entities. The petitioners also cited Comptroller and Auditor General findings indicating departures from the General Financial Rules, 2017, and official procurement manuals designed to ensure bidding integrity, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
What to Watch Next
The matter will next be heard on August 24, 2026, when the summoned senior officials are required to present their explanations and formal filings directly to the Supreme Court Bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which officials were summoned by the Supreme Court?
The court issued notices requiring the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to appear in person.
What timeframe does the CBI preliminary enquiry cover?
The inquiry covers government contracts and public works awarded across Arunachal Pradesh from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025.
What was the state government’s explanation regarding the contract awards?
The state government cited a 2015 law allowing contracts up to ₹50 lakh to be issued through work orders without complex technical prerequisites to support local contractors and villagers.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.