The Government of India, by an order dated 19th August 2025, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged environmental violations in…

The Government of India, by an order dated 19th August 2025, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged environmental violations in the State of Maharashtra. The notification was published in the Official Gazette on 24th August 2025, and the Commission was required to submit its report within 90 days from the date of the notification. Subsequently, a dispute arose regarding the territorial jurisdiction of the Commission. The notification stated that the investigation would cover all environmental violations occurring within a 10-kilometre radius of the Godavari River. Several industries challenged this, arguing that the 10-kilometre distance should be measured along road distance rather than in a straight line. Another issue arose regarding the service of notices to industries suspected of violations. The Commission sent notices through registered post, and some industries contended that the notices had not been effectively served. The Commission's tenure was to expire on 17th November 2025. However, before that date, the Central Government issued an order extending the tenure "until further notice." A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the legality of this open-ended extension. Additionally, the Government had appointed Mr. Arvind Rao as the Chairman of the Commission. Mr. Rao resigned on 25th September 2025 due to health reasons. Through an Office Memorandum dated 30th September 2025, the Government appointed Ms. Kavita Mehta as his replacement, and she assumed charge on 5th October 2025. On the basis of above facts and by applying applicable provisions of the General Clauses Act, 1897 and the applicable Rules therein, choose the correct answer (one out of four) of the following Multiple Choice Questions given herein under: