Supreme Court seeks explanation for Bihar minister Deepak Prakash reappointment
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission, Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, and the state government to explain why Prakash was reappointed as minister on May 7.
The issue? A petition claims this move breaks Article 164(4) of the Constitution, which says someone who isn't an MLA or MLC can only be a minister for six months unless they get elected.
Petitioner seeks invalidation citing Article 164(4)
According to the petition, Prakash had already utilized nearly four months and 26 days of the six-month period, resigned, and then got reappointed after about 22 days, basically hitting reset on his term.
The petitioner calls this a "subversion" of constitutional rules and wants the court to declare Prakash's new appointment invalid.
The case is likely to be heard on July 15.