The Patna High Court on Tuesday ordered that all former Chief Ministers of the State have to vacate the government bungalows allotted to them for lifetime.
Earlier in January, taking suo motu cognizance of a provision that allows former Chief Ministers to occupy their official bungalows for life, the court had issued a notice to the State government to reply .
The court on February 11 had reserved the order on the issue.
A division bench of Chief Justice AP Shahi and Justice Anjana Mishra had also asked why the former CMs do not live in their private bungalows when they have been provided security there.
The bench had also referred to how former CMs of Uttar Pradesh had to vacate the government bungalows allotted to them for lifetime following a Supreme Court order in May last year.
The court on Tuesday observed that providing government bungalows to former CMs was a misuse of public money.
Earlier, the 7, Circular Road government bungalow that was allotted to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in capacity of former CM, was notified in the name of chief secretary of the State.
Former Bihar CMs Satish Prasad Singh (CM for three days in 1968), Dr. Jagannath Mishra (1975-77, 1980-83 and 1989-90), Jitan Ram Manjhi (CM for nine months in 2014-15), Rabri Devi and her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav (1990-2005) have been allotted government bungalows for life in Patna and now they have to vacate their officials bungalows following the court order.
Ms. Devi and Mr. Prasad have been allotted one bungalow at 10, Circular Road where they live along with family members.
Recently, following a Supreme Court order, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Tejashwi Yadav had to vacate his official bungalow at 5, Deshratna Marg which was allotted to him in the capacity of former Deputy CM.
Mr. Yadav now lives with his parents at 10, Circular Road residence.
Reacting to the High Court’s order, Mr. Manjhi said he “honours” court’s decision and would abide by it.
