The Supreme Court on Monday extended significant relief to the Punjab government and Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, by restraining the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from taking any coercive steps against them. However, the apex court declined to stay the First Information Report (FIR) or halt the ongoing central agency probe. Hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Punjab government challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court's October 5 order—which had directed a CBI investigation into the matter—a bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale issued a formal notice to the central agency seeking its response. During the proceedings, senior counsel representing the state pressed for a complete stay on the FIR. Addressing the request, the bench clarified, “We will not stay FIR. No coercive steps may be taken.” Under the apex court's interim directive, while the corruption inquiry will proceed and the individuals involved are expected to join and cooperate with the investigative process, they remain protected from arrest or any harsh punitive actions until further hearings. The CBI has been directed to file its formal response.