Opaque empanelment of lawyers sparks concern

DELAYS IN FRAMING guidelines for the empanelment of advocates representing the Centre before the Delhi High Court and subordinate courts are raising fresh concerns over the transparency of a selection process widely seen as favouring those with influential connections.

- JYOTSNA BHATNAGAR

Eminent senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao said the government’s inaction only deepens doubts over the system’s credibility. “The delay in formulating a cogent and transparent framework for empanelment raises further questions when the need of the hour is to encourage young practitioners through merit-based opportunities and a credible selection process,” he said.

The issue had come under judicial scrutiny in December, when the Centre informed the Delhi High Court that it would frame fresh empanelment guidelines during the hearing of a public interest litigation challenging the process. The PIL, filed by a law student, questioned a September 11, 2025 notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice empanelling counsels to represent the Central government before the Delhi High Court. The petition alleged that several appointees were related to sitting High Court judges and politicians. Similar PILs over the years have repeatedly flagged opacity and favouritism in government empanelments.