India News Highlights, 15 October 2026: Rahul Gandhi writes to President Murmu over Dushyant Gautam’s appointment, cites Bhandari case - The Indian Express

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has written to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concerns over the appointment of Dushyant Gautam to a key government post and citing the Bhandari case as a precedent. The letter, sent on 15 October 2026, highlights alleged irregularities in the selection process and questions the suitability of Gautam for the role. The Bhandari case, which dealt with procedural lapses in appointments, is invoked to support Gandhi’s argument that the current appointment may violate established norms.

The Bhandari case, decided by the Supreme Court in 2018, established that appointments must follow transparent procedures and that any deviation can be challenged in court. By referencing this ruling, Rahul Gandhi is urging the President to review the appointment and ensure that it aligns with constitutional principles. The letter also calls for a review of the broader appointment process to prevent future controversies.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny of government appointments and the need for checks and balances in public office. For citizens across India, the letter signals that opposition leaders are actively monitoring executive decisions and seeking accountability. If the President takes action, it could set a precedent for how appointments are scrutinized in the future and reinforce the importance of transparent governance.