Patna: Bihar government has initiated the process of electing Minister Deepak Prakash to the Bihar Legislative Council after the Supreme Court questioned his continuation in the state Cabinet without being a member of the legislature.
As part of the arrangement, BJP MLC Devesh Kumar has resigned from the Legislative Council, according to reports. The vacancy is expected to enable Deepak Prakash to contest for the seat and retain his ministerial position.
BJP Vacates Council Seat
The resignation of Devesh Kumar is being viewed as a strategic step by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to ensure that Deepak Prakash fulfils the constitutional requirement of becoming a member of the legislature while continuing as a minister.
An official announcement regarding the election process is awaited.
Supreme Court Questions Minister’s Continuation
The development follows a hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday on a petition challenging Deepak Prakash’s continuation as a minister despite not being a member of either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council.
During the hearing, the Bench raised questions before the Bihar government on how a minister could continue in office beyond the constitutionally prescribed period without being elected to either House.
The court observed that the matter involves an important question of constitutional law and directed the state government to clarify its position.
Hearing Scheduled for August 4
Considering the significance of the issue, the Supreme Court has fixed the next hearing for August 4.
The government’s decision to facilitate Deepak Prakash’s entry into the Legislative Council is being seen as an effort to address the constitutional concerns raised during the proceedings while ensuring his continuation in the state Cabinet.
