Supreme Court judge recuses from Punjab CBI investigation citing security concerns

A judge of the Supreme Court of India has recused himself from monitoring a sensitive Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into Punjab's political leadership, expressing concerns about the unpredictable nature of potential threats to his personal security.

The recusal comes as the CBI has registered a comprehensive first information report spanning 251 pages. The agency has named Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an officer on special duty to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alongside five others in connection with the investigation.

The judge's decision to step aside underscores the high-stakes nature of the probe, which touches on matters of significant political consequence in Punjab. The move is likely to necessitate reassignment of the case's judicial oversight to another member of the Supreme Court.

The reasons cited by the judge—centered on security vulnerabilities—reflect broader concerns about the protection of judicial officers involved in high-profile investigations. The development adds another layer of complexity to what is already shaping up to be a contentious inquiry into the state's political machinery.

Details surrounding the allegations in the FIR and the specific charges against the named individuals remain part of the ongoing investigation.