HC: Can standing counsels file proceedings against State?
The Allahabad High Court has sought clarification from the Uttar Pradesh Government on whether additional Government advocates (AGAs) or standing counsel receiving retainership from the state can institute cases against the Government or its officers.
Justice Saurabh Lavania of the Lucknow bench of the High Court passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Ashok Kumar Singh and 28 others alleging wilful disobedience of an order passed in 2025.
During the hearing, the court noted that advocate Sudhir Kumar Mishra, appearing for the petitioners, is an additional Government advocate.
The bench then sought a response from the legal remembrancer on the issue whether AGAs or standing counsel on state retainership are permitted to file proceedings against the state Government or its officers.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 18.
