'If You Don’t Have Criminal Cases, You’re Not Eligible to Be a Mukhiya in Bihar': Supreme Court

New Delhi: In a remark laced with humour, the Supreme Court on Thursday commented on the state of local governance in Bihar, stating that a village Mukhiya (head) is almost expected to have criminal cases against them.

The observation came during a hearing on an anticipatory bail plea filed by a village Mukhiya from Bihar. During the proceedings, Justice Surya Kant asked the petitioner’s counsel, "Where are the details of the other cases against you?" The counsel acknowledged the existence of multiple cases, asserting that they were politically motivated.

Justice Surya Kant then quipped, "Of course, a village Mukhiya in Bihar is bound to have criminal cases registered against him. If you don't have criminal cases, you are not eligible to be a Mukhiya in Bihar."

While the remark was made in a lighter vein, it subtly pointed to the deep-rooted nexus between politics and criminal cases in the region. Bihar has long faced scrutiny over the criminalisation of local governance, with many elected representatives having legal cases against them.

The court’s remarks highlight the broader issue of law and order in grassroots politics, even as the judicial system continues to address such concerns on a case-by-case basis.