The Telangana High Court has upheld the Congress-led state government’s decision to dismiss legal officers appointed by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) administration. These lawyers, who served in various courts within the District Judiciary between 2021 and 2023, had their services terminated following a government order issued on June 26.
The removed law officers contested the decision, arguing that they were not given an opportunity to be heard before their dismissal. However, Justice B Vijaysen Reddy ruled that the government, like any private client, has the right to select its legal representatives without needing to provide a reason for the change.
The court emphasized that denying the government this freedom would be unreasonable and would hinder its ability to manage its legal affairs effectively. Justice Reddy stated, “Just as a client in a private case can withdraw a lawyer’s vakalat without explanation, so too can the government choose its counsel without being bound to offer a hearing.”
The court also dismissed claims that the government’s actions were driven by malice, describing these allegations as vague and unsubstantial. The ruling further noted that the mass dismissal of law officers following a change in government does not violate the principles of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. According to Justice Reddy, the government’s legal team must command its trust and confidence, and the state is best positioned to decide who represents its interests.
Finally, the court rejected the argument that the dismissal would harm the future careers of the affected lawyers, clarifying that their disengagement was not based on negative reasons but was a matter of administrative discretion. The petitions challenging the government’s decision were therefore dismissed.
The petitioners were represented by Senior Counsel Vedula Venkataramana, along with advocates Prasad Pulpoody, C Kalyan Rao, and Samala Ravendar. Advocate General A Sudershan Reddy appeared on behalf of the state.
