The Supreme Court of India, on March 26, dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged honey-trapping attempts targeting Karnataka's state legislators, political leaders, and judges.

Background of the Case

The plea was filed by Binay Kumar Singh following serious allegations made by Karnataka's Cooperation Minister, KN Rajanna, on March 20. He had revealed that nearly 47 high-profile individuals, including politicians and members of the judiciary, were allegedly targeted in an attempt to blackmail them through honey-trapping schemes.

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Seeking a thorough probe into the matter, the petitioner requested that the investigation be either directly supervised by the Supreme Court or entrusted to a committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge.

The case was heard by a bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Mehta. After examining the plea, the bench ruled against its admission and dismissed the PIL.

The Supreme Court’s ruling implies that no CBI investigation will take place under its direct supervision in the matter.

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The petitioner argued that the issue posed a serious threat to the judiciary's independence and integrity. According to the plea, honey-trapping tactics could be misused to manipulate judges and public officials, thereby compromising their ability to carry out their responsibilities impartially and fearlessly.

"A Judiciary tainted by external influence ceases to be a check on executive and legislative overreach. If judges are susceptible to blackmail, the courts may no longer serve as the bulwark against authoritarianism, corruption, or corporate greed."

Case Details : BINAY KUMAR SINGH vs. UNION OF INDIA| W.P.(Crl.) No. 000126 / 2025