SC questions Bihar govt over continuation of unelected minister

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought an explanation from the Bihar government over the continued tenure of Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, who has remained in office for more than six months in total without being elected to either House of the state legislature.

The court's observations came while hearing a petition challenging Prakash's reappointment as a minister, with the petitioner arguing that the constitutional six-month exemption for unelected ministers cannot be repeatedly invoked through successive appointments.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the case raises a clear question of constitutional interpretation and directed the Bihar government to justify the minister's continuation in office.