Rajasthan High Court Questions AAG Appointment

The Rajasthan High Court has issued a notice to the state government concerning the appointment of Padmesh Mishra as Additional Advocate General (AAG) after a petition raised concerns over his eligibility. The petitioner argues that Mishra, the son of Supreme Court Justice PK Mishra, does not meet the required ten years of legal experience stipulated by the State Litigation Policy 2018, as he has only five years of practice. Allegations have been made that the government amended the policy just days before his appointment, allowing for more flexible appointments based on 'expertise' rather than strict eligibility criteria. The petition contends that this amendment, which was introduced shortly after Mishra's initial appointment as a Panel Lawyer, is arbitrary and undermines the established legal framework. The court has requested responses from both the state government and Mishra regarding the validity of this appointment. The petitioner seeks an immediate stay on Mishra's role as AAG pending further review.