Now Reading: Centre seeks action against Bhagwant Mann’s aides, Punjab refuses
-
01
Centre seeks action against Bhagwant Mann’s aides, Punjab refuses
The Enforcement Directorate has written to the Punjab government seeking disciplinary action against two aides of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for alleged non-cooperation in a money laundering investigation. The central agency claims the officials failed to produce documents and avoided summons in a case linked to alleged excise policy irregularities.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded sharply, stating his government will not act against its officials based solely on a central agency's demand. He accused the ED of political vendetta, asserting the officials were following state government procedures. The matter escalates the ongoing tussle between the Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government and central investigation agencies, with the ED likely to approach the court if no action is taken.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Punjab Police Act gives the state government operational control over law and order, while central agencies like the CBI or ED need consent for investigations, a power Punjab withdrew in 2020. That 2020 notification is now before the Supreme Court, which is hearing a challenge from the Centre. If the court upholds the notification, it strengthens the state's hand, if not, central agencies can act without consent. Watch the next hearing date for clues on whether the ED's request is a test case of that very legal question. The immediate stakes are administrative, not criminal: non-compliance could be seen as contempt, but a political confrontation is also possible given Mann's public defiance.
Source: ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
