SC Questions Bihar Govt Over BPSC Chairperson’s Appointment

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India on Monday sought a response from the Bihar government regarding a Public Interest Litigation challenging the appointment of Parmar Ravi Manubhai as the chairperson of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Manoj Misra reviewed the plea filed by advocate Brajesh Singh. The petition questions the validity of Manubhai’s appointment, arguing that it contradicts constitutional guidelines. However, the bench expressed reservations about the petitioner’s role, noting that Singh had no direct involvement with the BPSC.

“As a lawyer, you should keep away from filing these kinds of PILs when you have no locus or relation with the BPSC,” the court remarked while issuing notices to the Bihar government and the BPSC chairperson. Additionally, the court appointed an amicus curiae to examine the matter further.

The petition highlights concerns over the selection process, pointing out that the appointment was made on March 15, 2024, despite constitutional requirements that only individuals with “impeccable character” be appointed to such positions. The plea also alleges that Manubhai has been implicated in a corruption case filed by Bihar’s vigilance bureau, with proceedings currently pending before a special court in Patna.

According to the petition, “respondent number 2 (Parmar) is facing serious charges of committing the offence of corruption and forgery and as such his integrity is doubtful and therefore, he ought not to have been appointed as the chairman of BPSC.”

Furthermore, the PIL argues that Manubhai does not meet the fundamental eligibility criteria for the role, as integrity and an unblemished record are crucial for appointments to constitutional positions.

With the Supreme Court stepping in, the Bihar government will now have to justify its decision, setting the stage for a legal debate on the standards for appointing public service officials.