Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman Moves High Court Against CBI Probe, Challenges Search of Sangrur Residence Without Prior Approval:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s OSD, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, challenging the CBI investigation and search at his residence in Sangrur. He has alleged that the agency carried out the search without obtaining the mandatory prior approval required under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

In his petition filed on Thursday, Ghuman claimed that the CBI registered an FIR at around 11.50 pm on October 5 and searched his family home in Gharachon village, Sangrur, within the next 24 hours. He argued that the agency did not obtain the required government approval before starting the investigation.

According to the petition, the search began at around 5.50 pm on October 6 and continued until 4 am on October 7. Ghuman claimed that neither he nor his family members were present at the house during the search. He also questioned the search and seizure process, alleging that only one independent witness was present.

Ghuman’s petition states that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act requires prior government approval before investigating a public servant over decisions or recommendations made as part of official duties. The law provides an exception for cases involving an on-the-spot arrest during a trap operation. Ghuman has argued that this exception does not apply to his case.

He has also challenged the CBI’s action on the ground that the FIR was registered following an October 5 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Citing a 2020 Supreme Court judgment in the Yashwant Sinha vs CBI case, he argued that even when a court directs the registration of an FIR, the agency must follow the legal requirement of obtaining prior approval under Section 17A.

Ghuman has asked the High Court to quash the investigation against him until the required approval is obtained. Alternatively, he has sought directions preventing the CBI from taking further action against him without securing approval under the provision.

The petition has brought the legality of the CBI’s search and its investigation under judicial scrutiny. The High Court’s decision could determine whether the agency can continue its proceedings against Ghuman without first obtaining the approval required by law.