New Delhi, October 9: The Supreme Court on Friday saw a significant development in the corruption case linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office, as Justice Sheel Nagu recused himself from hearing the state government’s challenge to a High Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a criminal case.
The development came after questions were raised about Justice Nagu’s previous judicial dealings with some of the petitioners. The case was scheduled to be heard by a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu. However, Justice Nagu decided to withdraw from the proceedings after examining the concerns raised during the previous hearing.
During the proceedings, Justice Dipankar Datta remarked, “These are very difficult times. One does not know where the attack will come from.” He made the observation after senior advocate Jaideep Gupta argued that the earlier cases handled by Justice Nagu were unrelated to the present matter.
The Supreme Court indicated that the case could be assigned to another bench. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the Punjab government, suggested that the matter be listed on Monday.
The recusal followed a hearing on Thursday, when the state government sought interim protection against further action by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Justice Datta declined to consider the request immediately, allowing Justice Nagu time to examine the relevant case papers.
The Punjab government had also pointed out that Justice Nagu, during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, had dealt with matters involving two petitioners in the current proceedings: Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and the state’s chief director. The government clarified that those earlier cases were unrelated to the present investigation.
The dispute stems from an October 5 order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the CBI to register a first information report (FIR) and investigate allegations of corruption linked to the Chief Minister’s Office. The High Court observed that material provided by the ED prima facie indicated the possible involvement of senior public officials and directed the CBI to submit an investigation report within two months.
Following the order, the CBI registered a 251-page FIR naming Bhagwant Mann’s officer on special duty, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, and five other individuals. The agency has alleged that the accused operated a network to influence government postings, administrative decisions, tenders, licences and other official processes in exchange for bribes. Searches were also conducted at eight locations across Punjab.
The allegations emerged from communications sent by the ED to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav between July 24 and August 12. The agency flagged suspected corruption involving Ghuman and others. A public interest litigation subsequently alleged that the state police had failed to act on the information supplied by the central agency.
The Mann government has challenged the High Court’s order, arguing that there was insufficient material to establish a cognisable offence and raising concerns about the federal structure.
The case has also acquired political significance ahead of Punjab’s Assembly elections, expected early next year. The state government has accused the BJP-led Centre of using central investigative agencies to target political opponents, while the allegations against the individuals named in the FIR remain subject to investigation.
The matter is expected to be placed before another Supreme Court bench for further consideration.
Reader Comments 0