The Punjab government has appointed Maninderjit Singh Bedi as the new Advocate General (AG), a day after Gurminder Singh tendered his resignation from the post.
Bedi, who previously served as an Additional Advocate General, becomes the fourth AG in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s three-year tenure.
Bedi, a native of Bathinda, is a law graduate from Punjabi University, Patiala.
Upon assuming office, he emphasised his commitment to effectively representing Punjab’s legal interests.
“My priority would be to effectively represent the state in legal matters to protect Punjab’s rights and interests,” Bedi stated.
The government has also extended the tenure of 215 law officers until 30 April. These officers had earlier resigned as part of a ‘rationalisation exercise’ initiated by the state government in February.
Also read: Gurminder Singh quits as Punjab A-G, Bedi named successor
Meanwhile, senior advocate Anu Chatrath has been appointed as Senior Additional Advocate General.
Gurminder Singh, in his resignation letter, refrained from specifying reasons for his departure, stating, “As I intend to resume my private practice, I am not inclined to continue on the post.”
However, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the resignation was linked to an “image makeover” drive following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) poor performance in the Delhi Assembly elections.
The Mann government has faced mounting criticism in legal circles, with its approach coming under scrutiny in various courts, including the Supreme Court.
A bench of the apex court recently rebuked the Punjab administration in a pension disbursal case, remarking that the “state had taken the court for a ride.”
This discontent, sources suggest, contributed to the growing discord between the AG and the government.
Bedi’s appointment follows a series of changes in the AG’s office under the AAP government.
Anmol Rattan Sidhu was the first to resign in July 2022, succeeded by senior advocate Vinod Ghai, who stepped down in October 2023.
Gurminder Singh was appointed thereafter but has now made way for Bedi.
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