Overview
- The Supreme Court issued notices to Arunachal Pradesh’s chief secretary and principal secretary (Home) and asked them to appear on August 24 after taking note of a CBI status report, the court said on Monday, August 3, 2026.
- The CBI’s July 17 status report told the court it has been unable to obtain required tender and contract records from the state and the agency sought more time to complete a court‑ordered preliminary inquiry.
- The probe stems from an April 6 order that directed the CBI to open a preliminary inquiry covering public works contracts from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025, after PILs alleged tenders were steered to firms linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family.
- Petitioners and their counsel say the preliminary enquiry already shows prima facie material and have urged the court to direct the CBI to register an FIR, while the CBI says it will take coercive steps once the state furnishes the outstanding documents.
- The August 24 hearing could force the state to produce electronic and physical procurement records, determine whether an FIR is registered, and shape political and administrative accountability in Arunachal Pradesh if the CBI finds evidence of improper award processes.