(a) whether the Government has appointed new senior counsels and special advocates for various Ministerial departments, their allied offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs, etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government is following any transparent system in the appointment of Associate Solicitor Generals, Assistant Solicitor Generals and Panel Advocates to various High Courts in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SH. RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) to (d) Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(c) & (d) The category of Associate Solicitor Generals does not exist. The procedure for appointments of Assistant Solicitor Generals and Panel Counsels is that the Suitable Advocates are engaged with the approval of the Government to represent Union of India before various courts/tribunals in the country on the basis of their qualification, experience, professional competence, reputation and standing at the Bar.
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