SC flags repeated award of Arunachal contracts to CM Pema Khandu’s relatives
11:12 AM Dec 05, 2025 IST
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Linthoi Khoirom
Updated At : 11:12 AM Dec 05, 2025 IST
The bench remarked that it appeared to be a “remarkable coincidence” that tenders across several districts consistently went to companies belonging to Khandu’s relatives. (File image)
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Guwahati: The Supreme Court has flagged serious concerns over claims that public contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were repeatedly issued to companies owned by Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s relatives.
Taking up a petition alleging large-scale favouritism, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that the accusations involve “high functionaries” and point to a “considerable number” of work orders routed to firms linked to the Chief Minister’s family.
The bench remarked that it appeared to be a “remarkable coincidence” that tenders across several districts consistently went to companies belonging to Khandu’s relatives.
Since the state government did not challenge the ownership details of these firms, the judges said the volume of allotted projects required closer examination.
The court asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to submit a detailed affidavit and listed the matter for hearing in February. The affidavit must include a district-wise list of every contract granted between 2015 and 2025 to Pema Khandu, his family members, or their associated firms. After reviewing the affidavit, the bench will decide whether the situation calls for a formal inquiry.
This case stems from an earlier plea on which the Supreme Court issued notice in March, seeking an investigation into contract allocations allegedly favouring the Chief Minister’s relatives. At that time, the court instructed the state to file a consolidated report naming all individuals and entities mentioned in the petition that had received government work orders.
During the latest hearing, the bench also examined references to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report but dismissed it as “neither here nor there.” Instead, the judges emphasised the need for clear and comprehensive statements from the concerned ministries.
The court’s comments have sharpened the focus on transparency in Arunachal Pradesh’s public spending, and the February hearing will determine the next course of action.