Supreme Court Orders CBI Inquiry into Arunachal Pradesh Contracts Linked to CM Khandu's Family

The Supreme Court has mandated the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh, allegedly awarded to firms connected to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family. This inquiry will cover contracts from 2015 to 2025, with a status report due in 16 weeks. The case raises significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as contracts worth approximately Rs 1,270 crore were reportedly awarded to these firms. The involvement of Khandu's relatives in these contracts has sparked controversy, leading to a detailed examination of the state's procurement processes. As the inquiry unfolds, it could have major implications for governance in Arunachal Pradesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 12:47 IST

Supreme Court Directs CBI Investigation

A file image of Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu (AT Photo)

New Delhi, Apr 6: On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate a preliminary inquiry within a fortnight regarding the awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to companies allegedly linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's relatives.

A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath stated that the inquiry, along with any subsequent investigation, should encompass the awarding and execution of public contracts from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025.

The court mandated the CBI to submit a status report within 16 weeks.

Justice Nath emphasized, "The CBI must register a preliminary inquiry within two weeks following the judgment and proceed according to the law," as he delivered the ruling.

The detailed order is still pending. The Supreme Court had previously reserved its decision on February 17.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that contracts worth approximately Rs 1,270 crore were granted over the past decade in Arunachal Pradesh to four firms associated with Khandu's family.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, cited an affidavit from the Arunachal Pradesh government, arguing that numerous contracts were awarded to companies owned by the chief minister's relatives.

The state's counsel had previously contended that the petition was a "sponsored litigation."

On December 2 of the previous year, the Supreme Court directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the contracts awarded from 2015 to 2025, including those to firms owned by the chief minister's family.

Khandu has been named a respondent in the public interest litigation (PIL). His father, Dorjee Khandu's second wife, Rinchin Drema, and his nephew, Tsering Tashi, have also been included in the case.

Dorjee Khandu served as Arunachal Pradesh's chief minister from 2007 until his tragic death in a helicopter crash in April 2011.

The petition alleged that Drema's company, Brand Eagles, received numerous government contracts despite evident conflicts of interest.