The Gauhati High Court has sought responses from the Assam government and other respondents on a petition challenging the continuation of M K Yadava as Special Chief Secretary (Forest).
The petition, filed by Amarjyoti Choudhury, questioned the May 14, 2026 government notification allowing Yadava to continue in the post and sought judicial scrutiny of the decision.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi heard the matter on October 5. Senior counsel B D Konwar, appearing for the petitioner, urged the court to examine the circumstances in which Yadava was allowed to continue under the government notification.
The state government opposed the petition, questioning the delay in filing it and the petitioner’s bona fides. Additional Advocate General P N Goswami told the court that the existing arrangement concerning Yadava was scheduled to remain in force only until November 11, 2026.
The government also questioned whether the petitioner had established sufficient grounds to maintain the case, arguing that a person seeking such relief should have a connection with the matter. It submitted that no such connection had been established.
The state referred to an earlier challenge to Yadava’s appointment in PIL No. 18 of 2025, which was dismissed by a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court on March 18, 2025. The court was also informed that PIL No. 57 of 2026 had been filed in connection with the present arrangement.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Medhi directed that notice be issued and fixed November 4, 2026, for the next hearing.
The petitioner was directed to serve notice on Yadava through speed post with acknowledgement due within two days.
The latest order allows the petition to proceed but makes no final finding on the legality or validity of Yadava’s continuation as Special Chief Secretary (Forest).
