Chandigarh, Oct 5: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday transferred the investigation into alleged “cash-for-transfers and tenders” irregularities in Punjab to the Central Bureau of Investigation, directing the agency to submit a comprehensive status report within two months.
The order came in response to a petition filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, which highlighted communications sent by central agencies to state authorities regarding alleged systemic corruption involving high-ranking officials and public servants. Legal representatives appearing for central enforcement authorities maintained before the court that timely state action was lacking despite official disclosures. Petitioners asserted that improper influences governed administrative postings, government tenders, permissions, and licensing processes within key departments.
Taking serious note of the submissions and the scale of the allegations, the High Court determined that an independent central investigation was necessary to uncover the facts. The court affirmed that the CBI will examine all aspects of the case, including allegations of extortion and administrative misconduct, ensuring an unhindered and transparent probe into the state’s official machinery.
