In short: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the CBI to register an FIR and investigate corruption allegations linked to the Punjab Chief Minister's office. The Punjab government has challenged that order in the Supreme Court. On 6 October 2026 the Chief Justice of India said the court would list the plea within a day or two. It did not hear the plea that day.

What has happened so far?

The dispute began with letters from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab police chief. According to Hindustan Times, these were sent between 24 July and 12 August. They asked for a criminal case over alleged corruption involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and others. Bar & Bench reports that the ED shared information with Punjab Police on 3 August.

The ED alleges that a private individual, Nitin Gohal, acted as a go-between for people seeking favours from the government and the OSD. The alleged favours include transfers and postings, access to confidential government documents, arms licences and other benefits. These are allegations only. None of them has been tested in court.

An advocate filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the High Court. The petition said Punjab Police had not acted on the ED's information. On Monday, 5 October, a Bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor directed the CBI to register an FIR and investigate "forthwith". It asked for a report on the outcome within two months. It also told the state and its police to cooperate fully with the CBI.

What did the High Court say about Punjab Police?

  • The ED's material, in the court's view, prima facie pointed to cognisable offences in high public office. It said the material at least required an FIR.
  • Punjab Police had done only what looked like a "preliminary inquiry". Notices went to several people, but the OSD was not asked to join.
  • The court did not accept the police's reliance on needing legible copies of the ED documents as a reason for delay.
  • It said it was "not impressed" with how the police had acted, and so handed the case to the CBI.

Why is Punjab in the Supreme Court?

The state filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) at about 1:42 am on 6 October. Bar & Bench reports the case title as State of Punjab v Nikhil Saraf. An SLP is the route by which a party asks the Supreme Court to examine a High Court decision.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Punjab, asked for an urgent hearing. As reported, the state's arguments include:

  • The order interferes with the federal structure, because a central agency has been told to investigate a state's officers.
  • The state is heading for elections, and such cases are being "trumped up" at election time.
  • The allegations concern administrative matters such as transfers, yet a criminal case has been ordered.
  • A case cannot be registered unless there is evidence of a cognisable offence, and the High Court lacked sufficient material.

These are the state's arguments, as reported. The Supreme Court has not ruled on them.

What did the Supreme Court say?

Chief Justice Surya Kant declined a same-day hearing, according to Hindustan Times. He said the court would try to list the matter the next day or the day after, as there were many matters. The Hindu reports that the court would try to list it within 24 hours, or hear it on 8 October at the latest.

The legal background

The Hindu reports that the ED's communications were sent under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. That provision deals with the ED sharing information with other agencies. An FIR is the first step in a criminal investigation. In this case the dispute is over who should investigate and whether the material justified registering an FIR at all.

The petitioner also argued that Punjab has had no regular police chief for over four years, according to Times of India. That point was raised in the High Court hearing. The reports do not say whether it formed part of the court's reasoning.

Who is affected and what should readers do?

The officials named are directly affected, as is the Punjab government. The case is also about how far courts can transfer an investigation from a state police force to the CBI. Readers do not need to take any action. The Supreme Court may take up the plea within days, so it is worth following official updates.

Frequently asked questions

Has anyone been found guilty?

No. The matter is at the stage of allegations and a direction to investigate. The Supreme Court has not decided Punjab's challenge.

Does the CBI probe stop because Punjab has gone to the Supreme Court?

The sources do not say that the High Court order has been stayed. The Supreme Court is yet to hear the plea.

What is a Special Leave Petition?

It is a petition asking the Supreme Court to examine an order of a High Court. Here, Punjab is using it to challenge the direction for a CBI probe.

Sources

Not legal advice. This page explains the law in general terms. Rules, fees and limits change, and your facts matter. Check the official source or consult a qualified advocate before acting. Disclaimer