The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it has no objection to taking over the investigation into allegations of corruption, illegal gratification and quid pro quo arrangements in Punjab, if the court decides to entrust the probe to the central agency.
The development comes in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the High Court seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation into an alleged “cash-for-transfers” and institutional corruption racket linked to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office.
The PIL has raised allegations of illegal gratification in connection with transfers and postings of government officers. It also alleges interference and influence in government decisions, tenders, contracts, licences and approvals.
The development comes in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the High Court seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation into an alleged “cash-for-transfers” and institutional corruption racket linked to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The CBI said the question of whether the facts and circumstances of the case warrant entrusting the investigation to the central agency is a matter for the High Court to consider while exercising its constitutional jurisdiction. Significantly, the CBI has said that if the High Court decides to entrust the investigation to it, the agency has no objection and will conduct the probe in accordance with law and the directions of the court.
The allegations placed before the court also relate to Change of Land Use (CLU), land-related matters, alleged facilitation of certain builders and developers, and certain financial transactions stated to involve quid pro quo. The matter is now before the High Court, which will consider the pleadings and material on record while deciding whether the allegations warrant an independent CBI investigation.
