New Delhi, March 20 A parliamentary committee has raised concerns about the shortage of law officers across high courts to represent the central government in legal disputes.
The 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 currently filled.
However, only 13 out of the 25 sanctioned posts for various high courts are filled, leaving 12 posts vacant.
"The committee believes that such vacancies at the level of Additional Solicitors General in high courts may adversely affect the effective representation of the Union of India, particularly in matters involving substantial legal questions and significant public interest," the panel said in its report on the demands for grants of the Department of Legal Affairs in the Union Law Ministry.
The committee asked the department to take prompt steps to fill the 12 vacant posts of Additional Solicitors General in high courts within a specified timeframe, and to periodically review the sanctioned strength in relation to the actual need, taking into account the volume and complexity of litigation before different high courts.
A group of law officers, led by the Attorney General, represents the central government in all courts across the country in legal disputes. They are assisted in courts by a panel of lawyers 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.