The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh to make appointments of State Law Officers through a need-based, transparent and merit-focused process.
In a batch decided on 5 October 2026, the Court required workload assessment, objective selection criteria and publication of the process. Candidates should have no disqualifying criminal antecedents, and existing law officers must report criminal cases to the Advocate General.
The guidelines also call for adequate representation of women, prior permission before State counsel act against the government, and examination of whether government lawyers should contest Bar elections while holding office. The Court disposed of the petitions after setting the framework, emphasizing that public legal appointments are not patronage but professional offices tied to the administration of justice.