Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court admitted a writ petition on Monday from Amarjyoti Choudhury. It challenges how M.K. Yadava maintains his status as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) for Assam. The retired Indian Forest Service officer currently holds full financial and administrative powers. The court issued notices to the state government and set the next hearing for November 4, 2026.
Yadava finished his service as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force on February 29, 2024. He began his contract on March 1, 2024. State authorities extended his term on February 21, 2025, and issued a new notification on May 14, 2026. The petition asks the court for a writ of quo warranto. It disputes if a contract worker can legally hold executive authority over government functions.
Choudhury argues these powers must come from established rules, not a vague government order. He cites the Assam Rules of Executive Business, 2023, and the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 2022. The petitioner wants the state to produce the legal documents granting Yadava his current authority. He claims records show Yadava directing district survey reports and mining regulations. Choudhury stated, "The expression full Financial and Administrative Powers in the May 14 notification cannot, by itself, constitute a blanket delegation of every financial and administrative power available within the department."
The court previously dismissed one public interest litigation involving Yadava in March 2025. Another case filed by Rohit Choudhury remains active. The High Court notified the government on September 11 regarding that separate challenge. This current petition aims to stop the exercise of any powers lacking a clear, statutory basis.
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