SC Refuses to Stay CBI FIR Against Bhagwant Mann's OSD

However, it directed that no coercive action be taken against the agencies for now.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale passed the interim order while hearing the Punjab government's appeal against a Punjab and Haryana high court order which had directed the CBI to inquire into the alleged corruption involving the chief minister's office.

The apex court issued notice to the CBI and directed the Punjab government to cooperate with the investigation.

"We are not staying the FIR. We are saying no coercive steps may be taken," the bench said.

Punjab Government Challenges High Court Order to CBI

The Punjab government approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court's order which directed the CBI to register a criminal case and investigate the complaints of corruption.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh appeared for the state government while senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu appeared for advocate Nikhil Saraf, who had filed the public interest litigation (PIL) in the high court.

During the hearing, Naidu said Saraf is facing vindictive action from the Punjab government and his property had been demolished.

He also prayed for the protection of Saraf as his life and safety was at risk.

What Are the Corruption Allegations?

The allegations involve Ghuman, Nitin Gohal and five other accused persons of taking bribes to facilitate transfer and postings of officials, approval of tenders and policy decisions, licensing and land deals.

The CBI registered the FIR in Delhi on October 5 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana high court.

The case was originally filed in the form of a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) through an email sent to the Punjab police on August 3.

It alleged that Gohal had facilitated "undue advantage" to various persons from the state government by acting as an intermediary between Ghuman and those making approaches.

High Court Questions Punjab Police Inaction

The PIL was filed after the Punjab police failed to register an FIR following the ED's plea in August.

On October 5, a bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor directed the CBI to complete the inquiry and submit a report within two months.

The high court expressed its displeasure over the Punjab police's refusal to register an FIR despite receiving the ED's complaint.

It noted that Ghuman had not been asked to assist the inquiry.

The Supreme Court's interim order allows the CBI to continue its investigation while prohibiting coercive measures for now.

Corruption allegations against Rajbir Singh Ghuman, OSD to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann are still under probe and are yet to be proved in court of law.