Holding the Bihar Government and a stone-block bidder equally responsible for a nine-year delay in executing a mining lease in Sheikhpura, a Division Bench of the Patna High Court set aside forfeiture of the bidder’s Rs 2.90 crore deposit, ordered its refund with 12% interest, and laid down binding timelines for future mining tenders.
A petition before the Supreme Court challenges the reappointment of Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, questioning the constitutional validity of a non-legislator continuing in ministerial office. The plea seeks a writ of quo warranto and interpretation of Article 164(4) of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation challenging Manubhai Parmar’s appointment as BPSC chairman, deeming it factless and publicity-driven. The bench criticized petitioner Brajesh for lacking seriousness and proper grounds, emphasizing that PILs must serve genuine public interest. The matter remains under review as responses are awaited.