Prashant Kishor's Appointment As Advisor To Punjab CM: Supreme Court Issues Notice To Punjab Govt. In Plea Against HC Judgment

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday (May 6) issued notice to the Punjab Government in an appeal arising out of final judgment and order dated passed by the Punjab & Haryana High Court dismissing the petition challenging the appointment of Prashant Kishor as Principal Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court had, while dismissing the petition, highlighted that the Chief Minister, being an elected representative has manifold Constitutional duties to discharge including good governance towards the residents of the State, and thus, he is at the liberty to choose his advisors.

Prashant Kishor's Appointment As Advisor To Punjab CM- "CM Free To Choose His Advisors": P&H High Court Dismisses Plea Challenging Appointment

The Division Bench comprising of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Hemant Gupta issued notice to the Punjab Government returnable after the summer recess.

Before the Supreme Court, the Counsel for the petitioners contended that Kishor is an expert in organizing elections and is assisting parties in different States.

Further, it was argued that the appointment of Mr. Kishore as Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, that too in the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister at the cost of public money is not permissible, though the Government may have an advisor with any particular expertise for governance purposes.

The background of the Case