Punjab CBI probe files: Agency alleges records withheld

Punjab CBI probe files are at the centre of a Supreme Court dispute, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency alleges that the state is withholding original records in a corruption investigation. Follow Punjab current affairs for exam updates.

Quick answer: The Punjab CBI probe files dispute concerns original records sought in an alleged corruption investigation. The CBI told the Supreme Court that Punjab supplied certified copies, some incomplete. The high court ordered an investigation on October 5; on October 12, the Supreme Court declined to stay it.

Why are the Punjab CBI probe files in dispute?

The CBI alleges that Punjab is delaying its investigation by not providing original files. In its Supreme Court affidavit, it said some certified copies were incomplete despite repeated requests.

According to the agency, the state cited administrative inconvenience and court judgments to justify withholding originals. However, the CBI argued that inconvenience was not a legitimate ground and that originals were primary evidence.

The agency also questioned the appointment of nodal officers. It said most officers nominated to assist investigators were not connected with the files supplied.

How did the investigation begin?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered a first information report (FIR) and investigation on October 5. The order followed material shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case linked to land transactions and real estate approvals.

The ED alleged that intermediaries influenced transfers, postings, tenders and administrative decisions. It also told the court that seven communications to Punjab authorities had not resulted in an FIR.

Following the order, the CBI registered an FIR against six people. They included Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Nitin Gohal. These are allegations under investigation, not findings of guilt.

What is the court dispute about?

Punjab challenged the high court order in the Supreme Court over state consent and prior approval. On October 12, the Supreme Court declined to stay the FIR or investigation. However, it directed that no coercive action be taken against the petitioners.

The CBI defended the court-ordered investigation. It argued that neither state consent under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act nor prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was required for a constitutional court-directed probe.

The agency also alleged that the state had not fully followed the courts’ cooperation directions. The competing positions remain part of the court dispute.

Source: Indian Express Chandigarh, 12 November 2026

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