SC refuses to entertain plea for CBI probe into sale of tickets by UP-based political parties

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) refused to entertain a plea seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a sting operation on the alleged sale of tickets by some unrecognised political parties in Uttar Pradesh.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana granted liberty to the petitioner, Swaraj Vahini Association, to revive its representation and reminder pending with the Election Commission on the issue.

The Bench noted in the order that the Allahabad High Court had refused to entertain the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) of the petitioner association on the issue.

The plea referred to certain sting operations undertaken and shared on social media pertaining to the working of some political parties and the alleged sale of election tickets.

The Bench refused to entertain the plea and instead asked the petitioner to approach the poll panel.

“We have no reason to doubt that the poll panel will make endeavours to redress the grievances,” the order said.

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Besides the Election Commission and the Centre, the plea has made the Chief Election Commissioner and the Uttar Pradesh-based Nishad Party, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, Apna Dal Sone Lal and Jan Janvadi Party Socialist parties to the case.

On September 7, 2026, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the PIL seeking an investigation by the CBI or another investigating agency into a sting operation circulated on social media concerning the functioning of political parties.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra declined to entertain the petition, observing that the court could not be expected to direct investigations into every sting operation or social media report presented in the name of public interest.