India Supreme Court Summons Arunachal Pradesh Officials Over CBI Probe

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home) of Arunachal Pradesh to appear personally on August 24, 2026. The summons follows a July 17 status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stating that the state government has been non-cooperative in furnishing records required for a court-monitored preliminary inquiry.

The investigation focuses on allegations that Chief Minister Pema Khandu preferentially awarded public works contracts worth approximately ₹1,270 crore to firms linked to his family members between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025. Specific firms mentioned include Brand Eagles, linked to his father's second wife Rinchin Drema, and Alliance Trading Co, linked to his nephew Tsering Tashi. The probe, which highlights irregularities particularly in the Tawang district, was initiated after public interest litigation was filed by the Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Senaa.

The court noted that the state administration failed to provide necessary records despite directions issued on April 6. The summoned officials must now explain this non-compliance and ensure that no evidence is destroyed. The court emphasized that in cases concerning public procurement integrity and high-level conflicts of interest, investigations must appear fair to the public.