SC refuses to stay graft FIR linked to Punjab CMO but restrains CBI from coercive action

NEW DELHI: In a relief to Punjab govt, Supreme Court Monday directed that no coercive steps be taken by the CBI in a case registered in connection with corruption allegations linked to the office of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale, however, said that it was not staying the FIR registered in the case and issued notice to the CBI on the petition filed by govt challenging the HC's direction to register the case. It also asked the state to cooperate with the investigation.The apex court's order means that the CBI can carry on with the investigation but it cannot arrest anyone without the court's approval.

The CBI FIR concerns alleged corruption and influence-peddling involving Mann's officer on special duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, and five other named accused. The case relates to alleged bribes paid to influence govt transfers and postings, tenders, policy decisions, licencing and land-related matters.

The CBI registered the FIR on Oct 5, 2026, following a direction from the Punjab and Haryana HC. The state thereafter immediately moved SC against the HC order.

Senior advocates Vikas Singh and Siddharth Luthra, appearing for state govt, pleaded for interim relief, which was granted by the court. It also sought a response from the CBI on state govt's plea for quashing of the FIR in the case.Govt said the high court erred in passing an order for the registration of an FIR into decisions of public servants on transfers, tenders and policy without the previous approval mandated by Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.