Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary faces office of profit controversy
The matter regarding the minister's appointment as an assistant professor has been referred to Advocate General SD Sanjay for a legal opinion.
Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary is facing a controversy regarding the office of profit after joining a Pataliputra University college as an assistant professor while serving as an MLC, according to the Hindustan Times.
The issue arose after Choudhary sought a lien or leave without pay a day after joining the position on February 17. The University Syndicate declined the request on August 19, citing provisions of the Bihar State Universities’ Act, 1976.
The Lok Bhawan officer on duty (OSD-Judicial) noted that leave cannot be sanctioned to an assistant professor during a probation period. The OSD-J also questioned the joining, stating Choudhary cannot take a leave of absence because his appointment was made while he was a legislator.
Advocate General SD Sanjay said he will discuss all aspects before arriving at a decision. He has called the Secretary to the Governor, the Pataliputra University VC, and others for discussions due to the legal issues involved.
Choudhary, who has been an MLC since March 17, 2021, claimed he was appointed after receiving clearances from the government. He stated that there was no bar on an MLA or MLC applying for the post and alleged that people are targeting him.