SC directs CBI inquiry into allegations of corruption, nepotism linking Arunachal CM, family in award of public contracts
The Hindu
Supreme Court orders CBI inquiry into corruption and nepotism allegations against Arunachal CM Pema Khandu regarding public contracts.
The Supreme Court on Monday (April 6, 2026) directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to commence a preliminary inquiry into allegations that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family was awarded public contracts worth ₹1,270 crore over 10 years from January 2015 to December 2025 in direct conflict of interest.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, in a judgment, disposed of a petition filed by NGOs Voluntary Arunachal Sena and Save Mon Region Federation, represented by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Neha Rathi, with an order to the CBI to submit a comprehensive status report on its enquiry within the next 16 weeks.
Petitioners alleged that there was rampant corruption, nepotism and dispensing with a transparent and open tender system in the award of contracts for 10 years between January 2015 till December 31, 2025.
The Court directed the CBI to commence its preliminary inquiry within two weeks of this judgment. The Court clarified that the purpose of the preliminary inquiry was to independently look into the veracity of the allegations, and should not be construed as a comment on the merits of the case and prejudice anyone.
“The preliminary enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, would cover the award of public contracts, work orders in the State of Arunachal Pradesh from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2025, including works placed on record in these proceedings,” the judgment directed.
Significantly, the Supreme Court directed the CBI to “particularly examine” awards made to Mr. Khandu, his brother Tsering Tashi and step-mother Rinchin Drema and individuals/firms related to them.
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