Ashutosh Kumbhakoni To Continue As Advocate General Of Maharashtra Through Third Successive Government

The Maharashtra cabinet deferred consideration of the AG's resignation till December 31, 2022 and requested him to continue to hold office at least till then.

Kumbhakoni had put in his resignation papers on June 30, 2022 a day after the previous state government led by Shiv Sena's Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray fell. The current government is a rebel Shiv Sena and BJP alliance.

Kumbhakoni was first appointed on June 7, 2017, via a notification during the BJP – Shiv Sena alliance headed by then CM Devendra Fadnavis. He was retained even during the Uddhav Thackeray led the Maha Vikas Aghadi led government. It was an alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress parties.

According to Article 165 (3) of the Constitution of India, the advocate general holds office during the pleasure of the Governor, and shall receive such remuneration as the Governor may determine.

Kumbhakoni was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2008. He however retired six months later following issues about his seniority.

The AG was born on July 12, 1959, and completed his graduation at Solapur. He pursued education at ILS Law College, Pune, and enrolled with the Bar Council in 1982. He started practice at Bombay High Court in the year 1992-93.