The Supreme Court of India, on August 28, 2025, set aside the suspension of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) member Mepung Tadar Bage, finding no evidence of “misbehaviour” in connection with the 2022 Assistant Engineer (Civil) mains examination paper leak case. The Court held that the charges against her did not meet even the threshold of a lapse, let alone misbehaviour, emphasizing that removal of a constitutional officeholder demands clear, direct proof. The Court criticized the state government for arbitrarily recommending her removal without sufficient evidence and highlighted the constitutional safeguards protecting Public Service Commission members from political interference under Article 317 of the Constitution. It noted that while institutional lapses occurred, Bage was not personally implicated, and questioned the contradiction of other resigning members receiving government appointments. The Court ordered her immediate reinstatement with full benefits, reinforcing the principle that Public Service Commission members must be held to high standards but also protected unless solid misconduct is proven.
