Overview

• Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the Union to file a detailed affidavit within three weeks after a hearing on Monday.
• The bench rebuffed a technical objection that the Finance Ministry was not a party and reminded the Centre of its March 18 mandate to file.
• Arunachal Pradesh has filed its affidavit; the matter has been posted for further hearing after the Union’s reply.
• The PIL by Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Senaa alleges contracts, including flood-restoration works, went to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s relatives, naming Rinchin Drema, Tsering Tashi, and the firm Brand Eagles.
• The state rejects the claims as 'sponsored litigation' and disputes references to numerous contracts, while the petition seeks a probe by the CBI or an SIT.