Overview
- The Delhi press briefing set for 3 p.m. on December 18 was cancelled minutes before it began, placing the awards on hold.
- A Culture Ministry note invoked a 2025–26 MoU and directed that no award declarations proceed without prior approval until restructuring is approved.
- The directive was issued to all four autonomous cultural bodies — Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi and the National School of Drama — with a request to detail steps taken so far.
- Executive Board members said the awardees had been unanimously cleared earlier that day and reported rejecting a suggestion to review the names.
- The Akademi has issued no public statement as criticism from CPI(M) leaders and writers mounted, and the institution continues to function without a regular secretary since October.