Punjab's New Advocate General Appointment Challenged in High Court, Hearing on Friday

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The appointment of Punjab's new Advocate General, Maninderjit Singh Bedi has been challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Advocate Jagmohan Singh Bhatti filed a petition against Bedi's appointment, naming the Advocate General, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha and Punjab's Chief Secretary as respondents.

Bhatti argued that Bedi's appointment violates Article 165(1) of the Constitution, which states that only individuals qualified to be High Court judges can be appointed as Advocate General. He alleged that Bedi lacks the necessary qualifications and that his appointment was made on political grounds, given his close ties to Kejriwal. This development comes after a series of changes in the Advocate General's position in Punjab over the past two years. The frequent resignations have raised questions about the state government's legal team.

The High Court is expected to hear the case by Friday.