Arunachal CM Says State Could Not Present Its Case Before Supreme Court

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described the Supreme Court’s decision to summon the state’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) over alleged non-cooperation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as the result of a “one-sided hearing.” He said the state government could not present its position because members of its standing counsel were absent during the court proceedings.

Speaking to reporters, Khandu stated that the absence of the state’s legal representatives prevented the government from explaining the records and information it had already shared with the CBI. As a result, the court considered only the agency’s submissions regarding difficulties in obtaining certain government documents.

The Supreme Court has directed the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) to appear in person on August 24 after reviewing a CBI status report alleging inadequate cooperation from the state in an inquiry into government contracts. The investigation stems from a public interest litigation seeking an independent probe into alleged irregularities in the award of government contracts between 2015 and 2025.

Khandu said the state government would present its response at the next hearing and provide details of the assistance already extended to the CBI. The hearing is expected to clarify the extent of the state’s cooperation and address the issues raised before the Supreme Court.