Supreme Court allows CBI probe into Punjab CM's aide to proceed

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an urgent plea seeking to stay the CBI investigation into allegations against an aide to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, though it imposed restrictions on coercive measures during the pendency of the matter.

A bench of the apex court issued notice on Punjab's appeal challenging an earlier order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court that had directed the CBI to probe the case. The High Court's directive had come following a petition challenging the state's decision to hand over the investigation to the federal agency.

While allowing the CBI proceedings to continue, the Supreme Court has barred the investigative agency from taking any coercive action against the accused pending further orders. This interim measure ensures the protection of the individual's rights while the investigation moves forward.

The case centres on allegations involving the Chief Minister's office, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court having found sufficient grounds to warrant a federal investigation. The state government's challenge to this decision is now being examined by the Supreme Court, which will determine the appropriate course of action in subsequent hearings.