UP Govt Discontinues Engagement Of 841 Government Lawyers Working In Allahabad High Court

The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday issued an order discontinuing the services of 841 government lawyers appointed in the Allahabad High Court. While 505 state law officers have been removed from the principal bench of the Allahabad High Court at Prayagraj, 336 government lawyers have been discharged from the Lucknow bench.

In an order issued by Nikunj Mittal, Special Secretary, Law and Justice Department, the services of two Chief Standing Councils of Lucknow Bench have also been terminated.

Apart from this, the services of 33 additional government advocates, 66 from criminal side and 176 civil brief holders have also been discontinued. The services of 59 Additional Chief Standing Council and Standing Council have also been terminated.

On the other hand, the state government has appointed 366 new public prosecutors in Allahabad High Court and 220 in Lucknow Bench.

It may be noted that in May 2022, the Allahabad High Court had asked the UP Govt as to what is the requirement to appoint so many Additional Advocate Generals and Chief Standing Counsels at Allahabad High Court (both Benches) to defend the State when already more than 400 State lawyers are impaneled by it.

The Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal also took expectation to the practice of outsourcing the lawyers on behalf of the State and its various authorities and corporations wherein a big amount of taxpayers' money is being used.