The Supreme Court on October 12, 2026, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to take coercive steps in the corruption case involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, the Court declined to stay the First Information Report (FIR).
A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale passed the order while hearing the Punjab government's challenge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court's direction for a CBI investigation.
Background
The case arose from communications sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Punjab Police seeking action over allegations of corruption involving individuals connected with the Chief Minister's Office. The allegations concern purported influence over government transfers, access to confidential documents, arms licences and other official matters.
After Punjab Police did not register an FIR, advocate Nikhil Saraf approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL).
On October 5, the High Court directed the CBI to register a criminal case and investigate the allegations. It also asked the agency to submit a report on its investigation within two months.
The Punjab government subsequently challenged the High Court's order before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, the Bench issued notice to the CBI and clarified that its interim protection did not amount to a stay of the FIR.
The Court stated,
"We are not staying the FIR. We are saying no coercive steps may be taken."
The Bench also directed the petitioner to cooperate with the investigation. The order therefore provided interim protection against coercive action while allowing the criminal investigation to continue.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh appeared for the Punjab government, while Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu represented Nikhil Saraf.
The Supreme Court declined to stay the CBI FIR but ordered that no coercive steps be taken during the interim period.
It issued notice to the CBI and directed the petitioner to cooperate with the investigation.
