Supreme Court Judge Recuses from Punjab CBI Corruption Probe Appeal

Supreme Court Justice Nagu has recused himself from hearing Punjab's appeal against a High Court directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into corruption allegations, citing his previous position in the state judiciary.

The recusal comes as the state government challenged an order passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court that mandated CBI involvement in investigating the corruption case. Justice Nagu's decision to step back from the bench hearing the matter is based on his immediate prior service as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which could present a potential conflict of interest.

The move ensures judicial impartiality in the proceedings, as judges typically recuse themselves when cases involve courts or matters from their previous postings. By withdrawing from the case, Justice Nagu has upheld the principle of maintaining public confidence in judicial independence.

The appeal will now be heard by another bench of the Supreme Court. The underlying matter concerns whether the CBI investigation into the corruption allegations should proceed as ordered by the High Court or whether Punjab's challenge warrants modification of that direction.