Speculation is rife in the corridors of the Orissa High Court here over the appointment of next Advocate General (AG) after the controversial incumbent AG relinquished his position in an unfortunate development on Friday.
Since the State Government is a litigant in most of the cases here in the High Court and almost all the cases originating from the State in the Supreme Court, the post of AG cannot remain vacant for long. As the Government has begun scouting for the next AG, names of several senior advocates are doing the rounds here for the coveted post.
According to grapevines here, the name of PN Mishra, who is now practicing in the Supreme Court, is at the forefront for being considered as the next Odisha AG. Efforts to contact Mishra turned futile but sources here said that the Apex Court lawyer has apparently expressed his willingness to take up the position if given a chance.
Similarly, lawyers here also discuss the names of senior advocates Shaktidhar Das, Sanjit Mohanty, Asim Amitav Das and Pitambar Acharya for the possible choice to be appointed as AG. Initially, the name of CBI counsel SK Padhy was also under discussion for the post.
“looking at the manner in which the present Government is functioning and over the recent developments unfolding where a former AG is grilled by the CBI for over two hours just a day after he relinquished the Constitutional post, it would be highly hazardous to speculate anything,” said a senior advocate here.
But the lawyers here are of the opinion that a person of high integrity, who has proved himself of working for the welfare of the people, should be appointed as AG.
“The Advocate General and his office defend and protect the interest of the State Government,” said former AG Jayant Das adding that anyone should occupy the post of AG must have unflinching integrity.Similarly, there should not be any trust deficit between the Government and the AG as the latter gives invaluable legal guidance to the former in formulation of its policies and execution thereof, Das said.