The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into the alleged honey-trap case involving politicians in Karnataka. The petition, filed by social activist Binay Kumar Singh, had also sought for the investigation to be either monitored by the apex court or conducted under a committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge. However, the three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta rejected the plea, citing insufficient grounds for intervention.

Karnataka Minister’s Explosive Allegations

The controversy erupted when Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna made shocking claims in the state assembly on March 20, 2025. He alleged that there were attempts to honey-trap at least 48 politicians across various parties, including union ministers. Rajanna further stated that Karnataka had become a hub for CD and pen drive scandals, with numerous individuals being targeted through malicious schemes.

"People say that there is a CD and pen drive factory in Karnataka. I have come to know that there are CDs and pen drives of 48 people available in the state. This network is spread across India, and even several union ministers have been trapped," Rajanna stated in the assembly.

Supreme Court’s Stand on the Matter

Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, representing the petitioner, argued that media reports on the honey-trap case warranted a high-level probe into the individuals behind the alleged conspiracy. He emphasized that honey-trapping of judges posed a serious threat to judicial independence. However, the Supreme Court found no substantial evidence to justify an external probe. Justice Vikram Nath-led bench dismissed the plea outright, stating that the allegations, while concerning, were politically charged and lacked sufficient legal merit.

Political Fallout and Demand for Judicial Inquiry

Rajanna’s revelations caused a stir in the Karnataka assembly, with the opposition calling for a judicial inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge. The state’s Home Minister assured a high-level probe, but opposition leaders remain unsatisfied, demanding further transparency.

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Rajanna clarified that the PIL misrepresented his statements, as he had never directly mentioned judges being honey-trapped.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Course

As Karnataka’s political landscape remains embroiled in the honey-trap controversy, authorities continue investigating the alleged CD and pen drive racket. Whether a special investigative team (SIT) or another agency takes over the probe remains to be seen.

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