On Monday, October 5, 2026, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe corruption allegations linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office. The order was issued in a public interest litigation case, with the bench consisting of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor.
The Enforcement Directorate has accused public servants and private individuals connected to the Aam Aadmi Party government of corruption in transfers, postings, policy manipulation, cash for tenders, and other serious irregularities. The petition alleges that senior Punjab officers were involved in scams involving cash for transfers, favourable policies, and tenders, and that investigations had not been initiated despite information being shared with Punjab Police.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Punjab Police’s handling of the matter, the court ordered the CBI to register a First Information Report and conduct a fair and transparent investigation. The court directed that a report on the investigation be submitted within two months and that the state and police render full assistance to the CBI.
Political reactions followed the decision. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa demanded the Chief Minister’s resignation, questioning the government’s honesty. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majitjia said the court’s order exposed the mask of Mann’s integrity, while BJP leader Sambit Patra called on Mann and Arvind Kejriwal to clarify the alleged financial irregularities.
