Government considering appointing legal expert in each Ministry, web portal for centralized data of pending cases

In an attempt to reduce in-house litigation and conflict, the Government has reportedly decided to appoint a legal expert in every Department/ Ministry. This would enable the centre to decentralize availability of legal assistance by providing services of Indian Legal Service officers to each ministry/departments.

The Law Ministry will only be consulted for ‘sensitive matters’ from now on. All Ministries/Departments have been informed to assess their requirements of ILS officers. Further, the question of accountability of legal officers is also being mooted, so that they are made answerable for legal viability of their decisions.

Establishment of a Web Portal is also being considered. This would enable the Government to make centralized data available where each ministry/department will be required to upload details of cases pending in various courts/tribunals and their status.

The Government now intends to scrutinize each case instead of blindly filing appeals against verdicts.