Rajasthan tweaks norm to appoint new addl AG, raises storm

JODHPUR: Less than 24 hours after Rajasthan law minister Jogaram Patel's son Manish tendered his resignation as additional advocate general (AAG) amid allegations of nepotism, Rajasthan govt's decision to appoint Delhi HC advocate Padmesh Mishra as AAG by tweaking its eligibility criteria has raised eyebrows yet again. There were allegations that Mishra has practised for five years while the eligibility criteria stipulates 10 years.

Mishra's appointment came amid a raging controversy over allegations of "political appointments" of AAGs and govt advocates in Rajasthan HC and Supreme Court, many of which have been criticised not only by opposition parties, but also from within BJP ranks.

Rajasthan govt had notified Mishra's appointment as AAG in Supreme Court through an order on Aug 23.