The Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) of Arunachal Pradesh, directing their appearance on August 24, 2026. This action comes in response to allegations of non-compliance with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry involving Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The apex court had previously mandated the CBI to investigate claims surrounding the awarding of public works contracts to companies associated with Khandu’s family.

According to a status report submitted by the CBI on July 17, the state government has reportedly failed to cooperate in providing essential records for the investigation. The court highlighted this lack of cooperation as significant, leading to its decision to enforce the summons. The Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stated that the named officials must also present their reasons for the alleged non-compliance during the upcoming court appearance.

Background of the Investigation

Initially, the bench had instructed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into contracts awarded from November 2015 to December 2025. This inquiry may also extend to transactions outside this specified timeframe if necessary. As part of this inquiry, the CBI was tasked with examining public works, contracts, and work orders executed during this period.”

The Supreme Court had also insisted that the Arunachal Pradesh government fully cooperate with the CBI by designating a nodal officer for effective coordination. Furthermore, it emphasised the importance of preserving all relevant records to ensure the integrity of the investigation. The court’s order sought guarantees against any destruction of evidence during this critical inquiry.

The petition prompting this investigation was filed by the Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, which alleged that the awarding of contracts to firms owned by Khandu’s family members constitutes a serious conflict of interest.

Allegations Against Chief Minister Pema Khandu

Among the individuals implicated through the petition are prominent family members of Pema Khandu, including his father Dorjee Khandu’s second wife Rinchin Drema and nephew Tsering Tashi. Dorjee Khandu served as Chief Minister until his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2011. The allegations highlight that Rinchin Drema’s firm, Brand Eagles, has received numerous government contracts that raise concerns regarding impartiality due to familial ties.

The petitioners have argued that the consistent awarding of significant contracts solely to companies associated with Khandu and his close allies strongly suggests a lack of transparency. They contend that such preferences could not have occurred without the explicit knowledge and consent of the corresponding minister, pointing to Pema Khandu’s inherited political influence.

The petition further notes the potential impropriety within the local government, highlighting a pattern where contracts are systematically assigned to select firms belonging to Khandu’s family. This raises alarms about ethical governance and accountability within the state.

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