Punjab ‘Cash-for-Transfers, Tenders’ Scam: HC Hands Probe to CBI, Seeks Report in 2 Months

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the probe into allegations of a widespread corruption and bribery network involving senior officials and other individuals in Punjab.
The case stems from a petition alleging activities including “cash for transfers, cash for getting favourable policies, cash for tenders and such other illegal activities”. The petition claimed that senior government officials and other individuals were allegedly involved in the activities.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor said a fair and transparent investigation was necessary in the matter. The court, expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Punjab Police had handled the matter so far, directed the CBI to take over the investigation.
The Bench ordered the CBI to register an FIR and proceed with the investigation forthwith. It also directed the agency to submit a report on the outcome of the investigation within two months.
The court further said that the Punjab government and Punjab Police would provide all necessary assistance to the CBI to ensure a fair investigation.
The petition was filed by practising lawyer Nikhil Saraf, who alleged that communications had been sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab government under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002. According to the petitioner, despite the communications and allegations concerning corruption in high public office, no effective action had been taken.
The ED had earlier appeared before the High Court and blamed the state government for failing to act on a communication sent by its Jalandhar zone to the Punjab DGP. Senior advocate and Additional Solicitor-General Satya Pal Jain had argued that the government had failed to discharge its “Rajdharam” and instead followed “Rajnitik Dharam”.
According to the petition, the allegations primarily concerned public persons, public servants and private individuals working in the Chief Minister’s Office. It was further alleged that some of those named were closely associated with the Chief Minister’s family.
The petition alleged the existence of a deeply rooted bribery network through which transfers of IAS officers, police officials and other officials holding key positions in various Punjab government departments were allegedly influenced.
It also referred to allegations concerning tenders, permissions and licences allegedly being facilitated for builders, land developers and other entrepreneurs.
Another allegation raised in the petition was that an institutionalised extortion racket was being operated by allegedly implicating individuals in false cases.
The petitioner also claimed that part of the complaint was available on social media and had been shared with several journalists and politicians.
The High Court's order now places the investigation under the CBI, which is required to register an FIR and proceed with the probe. The court has sought an investigation report within two months.