The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the High Court that the vacant post of Advocate General will be filled within one month. The assurance was given during PIL proceedings seeking prompt appointment to ensure effective legal representation of the Union Territory.
J&K Government Assures High Court on Advocate General Appointment
The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that the vacant position of Advocate General will be filled within one month. The submission was made on November 5, 2026, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Harsh Dubey, which sought the immediate appointment of the constitutional functionary.
Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, representing the administration, stated that the appointment process is currently underway and assured the court that the post would be filled within the stipulated timeframe. The PIL highlighted the prolonged vacancy and its impact on the Union Territory’s legal affairs, including representation in constitutional and high-stakes litigation.
The role of the Advocate General is critical under Article 165 of the Constitution, which mandates that each state (and by extension, union territories with a legislature) must have a legal advisor to assist the government in legal matters. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, continues the applicability of this provision to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
"The functioning of the legal wing of the government is impaired in the absence of an Advocate General,"noted the petitioner. The Court has directed compliance and listed the matter for further hearing after four weeks. Practitioners should anticipate formal notification of the appointment within the timeframe, ensuring continuity in legal representation before judicial forums.
Citations
- Harsh Dubey v. UT of J&K, W.P.(PIL) No. of 2025
- Constitution of India, Article 165
- Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
