Amendments to the Law Officers of High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai (Appointment) Rules, 2017
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Public (Law Officers) Department, issued G.O. Ms. No. 299 dated 16 June 2020 to amend the Law Officers of High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai (Appointment) Rules, 2017. The amendments, effective from 16 June 2020, define State Government Pleader and Government Pleader, revise categories and appointment provisions for government law officers, and add eligibility requirements for the State Government Pleader.
What the notification does
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Public (Law Officers) Department, issued G.O. Ms. No. 299 dated 16 June 2020 to amend the Law Officers of High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai (Appointment) Rules, 2017. The amendments came into force on 16 June 2020 and concern advocates appointed to represent or assist the State in the High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai.
Who is affected
The amended Law Officers of High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai (Appointment) Rules, 2017 affect government law officers and advocates seeking appointment to those positions. They do not contain provisions about land ownership, property registration, planning, building approval or land use.
The amended definitions distinguish two civil law officer roles:
- A Government Pleader is an advocate appointed by the Government to assist the Advocate General, conduct civil cases and prepare pleadings for the State in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
- A State Government Pleader is an advocate appointed by the Government to perform those functions both in the High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai.
Categories of government law officers
G.O. Ms. No. 299 lists the following categories in addition to the Advocate General:
- Additional Advocate General.
- On the criminal side, Public Prosecutor, Additional Public Prosecutor and Government Advocate.
- On the civil side, State Government Pleader, Government Pleader, Special Government Pleader, Additional Government Pleader and Government Advocate.
The Government may fix from time to time the number of officers in specified categories, including Additional Advocate General, Additional Public Prosecutor, Government Advocate on the criminal side, and Special Government Pleader, Additional Government Pleader and Government Advocate on the civil side.
Eligibility and appointment changes
The amendments add the following provisions:
- A person cannot be appointed State Government Pleader unless that person has practised as an advocate for at least ten years, including at least seven years in the High Court.
- A tabular reference to Government Pleader is replaced with State Government Pleader.
- A separate tabular entry for Government Pleader is added with the amount stated as 5,00,000 rupees.
- The Government appoints the Additional Advocate General, State Government Pleader, Government Pleader, Special Government Pleader, Additional Government Pleader and Government Advocate.
- State Government Pleader is also inserted into the relevant provision concerning the Additional Advocate General.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does G.O. Ms. No. 299 affect my land or property rights?
The notification contains no provisions about land ownership, property registration, planning, building approval or land use. It amends appointment rules for government law officers.
What is the difference between a State Government Pleader and a Government Pleader?
A State Government Pleader handles civil cases and pleadings for the State both in the High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai. A Government Pleader performs those functions in the Madurai Bench.
What experience is required to become State Government Pleader?
The advocate must have at least ten years of practice, including at least seven years in the High Court.
When did the amendments take effect?
The amendments made by G.O. Ms. No. 299 took effect on 16 June 2020.
