Supreme Court probes why Bihar's Panchayati Raj minister stayed beyond six months
The Supreme Court asked the Bihar government to explain how Panchayati Raj minister Deepak Prakash remained in office past the six-month constitutional deadline without being elected to the state legislature.
The Supreme Court intervened on Thursday, demanding an explanation from the Bihar government regarding the prolonged service of Deepak Prakash as Panchayati Raj minister. Constitutional rules stipulate that a minister who is not a member of the state legislature must secure election to either house within six months, failing which the post must be vacated. The court observed that Prakash has exceeded this period without meeting the requirement.
Bihar authorities were ordered to submit a detailed response clarifying the circumstances that allowed the minister to remain in office. This scrutiny underscores the judiciary's role in upholding procedural safeguards in state administrations. The matter may prompt a review of appointment practices across Indian states.
Why it matters
It tests whether state governments respect constitutional limits on unelected ministers.
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