Parliamentary panel flags shortage of law officers in High Courts

A parliamentary committee has flagged the shortage of law officers across High Courts to defend the central Government in litigations.

The department-related standing committee on law and personnel noted that out of the total 39 sanctioned posts of additional solicitors general of India, all 14 posts earmarked for the Supreme Court are presently filled.

But only 13 out of 25 sanctioned posts for various High Courts are filled, leaving 12 posts vacant.

“The committee is of the view that such vacancies at the level of additional solicitors general in High Courts may adversely affect effective representation of the Union of India, particularly in matters involving substantial questions of law and significant public interest,” the panel said in its report on demands for grants of the Department of Legal Affairs in the Union Law Ministry.

The committee asked the department to take expeditious steps to fill up the 12 vacant posts of additional solicitors general in High Courts in a time-bound manner, and periodically review the sanctioned strength vis-a-vis actual requirement, keeping in view the volume and complexity of litigation before different High Courts. A clutch of law officers led by the attorney general represents the Central Government in all courts across the country in litigation. They are assisted in courts by a panel of advocates who also help the law officers defend the central Government in legal battles.

The parliamentary committee also recommended proactive litigation management, early identification of repetitive and avoidable cases and informed decision-making by ministries/departments to reduce court cases in which the Central Government is a party.