Maharashtra CM Gets Sweeping Powers to Override Ministerial Decisions in ‘Public Interest’

New Rules of Business give Devendra Fadnavis direct authority to review and overturn decisions taken by any minister

MUMBAI, AUGUST 18, 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been vested with significant new powers under the state government’s revised Rules of Business, 2026, allowing him to override a decision taken by any minister when he considers such intervention necessary in the larger public interest.

The move marks a significant change in the administrative framework of Maharashtra and could strengthen the Chief Minister’s direct oversight over decision-making across departments.

According to the notification issued by the state government, the Chief Minister may override a decision taken by any minister in any case involving public interest, provided the reasons for doing so are recorded in writing. However, the provision does not apply to quasi-judicial matters.

The revised rules continue to place primary responsibility for the day-to-day functioning of a department with the minister in charge. At the same time, they empower the Chief Minister to call for files and documents relating to matters handled by any department. The concerned minister and departmental secretary are required to provide such documents when sought by the Chief Minister.

The notification has also laid down clearer procedures governing the roles of the Chief Minister, ministers, the Chief Secretary and departmental secretaries in the functioning of the state administration.

The new provision assumes particular significance in the context of Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition, which comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. While the government has presented the revised framework as an administrative mechanism for ensuring effective governance and public interest, the expanded authority of the Chief Minister could also have political implications within the coalition if decisions taken by ministers belonging to alliance partners are subsequently overturned.

The notification further stipulates that matters involving potential financial implications must follow prescribed procedures, including prior concurrence of the Finance Department in specified cases. Proposals relating to new legislation, amendments to existing laws and statutory rules are also required to be referred to the Law and Judiciary Department for legal scrutiny.

The latest change also has a legal backdrop. The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench had observed in a 2023 judgment that the Chief Minister did not possess an independent power under the then-existing Rules of Business to review or modify a decision taken by the minister in charge. The Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026 now explicitly provide such overriding authority, subject to the conditions specified in the notification.

The move is therefore being closely watched in political and administrative circles. While greater central oversight could enable faster intervention in matters considered critical to the state’s interests, the extent to which the new provision is used could influence the balance of authority between the Chief Minister and individual ministers in Maharashtra’s coalition government.