Supreme Court Questions Bihar Government Over Deepak Prakash

The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Bihar government over the continuation of Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, who has not been elected to the legislature within the constitutionally mandated six-month period. Under the Constitution, a person appointed as a minister without being a member of the legislature must get elected to the Assembly or Legislative Council within six months. Deepak Prakash was first sworn in as a minister in November 2025 and served until April 25, 2026, when the cabinet was dissolved following the resignation of then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. After Samrat Choudhary took oath as the new Chief Minister, Deepak Prakash was reappointed despite not being elected.

A petition challenging his reappointment argued that allowing him another six-month term without winning an election amounts to a violation of constitutional principles. Hearing the plea, the Supreme Court observed that the issue raises an important constitutional question and asked the Bihar government to explain how a person who has not been elected can continue as a minister beyond the prescribed period. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 4. Deepak Prakash had also drawn public attention during his swearing-in ceremony for attending the event in a casual shirt and trousers, unlike the traditional attire worn by most political leaders.