CBI to Probe ED Allegations in Punjab High Court Order
Punjab and Haryana High Court orders CBI probe into ED's corruption allegations involving the CM's OSD and others.
In a major legal development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a matter involving letters sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP). The court's decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf regarding alleged corruption and the failure of state authorities to act on federal directives.
The Core of the Dispute: ED vs. Punjab Police
The controversy stems from three specific letters issued by the ED to the Punjab DGP. In these communications, the federal agency sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against several individuals, including Rajbir Singh Ghumman, who serves as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The ED's letters alleged the involvement of these individuals in various corruption-related activities.
The High Court intervened after the Punjab Police reportedly failed to register a case despite the repeated formal requests from the ED. By handing the investigation over to the CBI, the court has ensured that the allegations are scrutinized by a central agency.
Political Reactions and Allegations of Looting
The court's verdict has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders. Senior Punjab BJP leader Tikshan Sud welcomed the decision, stating that the involvement of the CBI brings the entire matter under a formal investigative ambit. Sud claimed that the investigation would expose the alleged looting carried out by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and its leaders.
He expressed confidence that the CBI would conduct a swift and thorough investigation, ultimately revealing the truth behind the corruption allegations that have surfaced in the state.
High Court Directs Regular DGP Appointment
In a separate but related legal proceeding, the Punjab and Haryana High Court also addressed the administrative leadership of the state police force. During a hearing involving a PIL filed by Advocate Nikhil Thamman, the court directed the Punjab Government to appoint a regular Director General of Police (DGP).
The court emphasized that this appointment must align with the Supreme Court's previous directions, specifically citing the landmark Prakash Singh vs Union of India case. The petitioner argued that Punjab has lacked a regular DGP for over four years, violating the principle that a DGP should be appointed from a panel recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The Chief Secretary has been directed to file a compliance affidavit regarding the appointment of a regular DGP by the next hearing, scheduled for October 13, 2026.