Bihar: Ashwarya Sinha, Keshav Ranjan Appointed AAGs for Supreme Court

• Ashwarya Sinha and Keshav Ranjan have been appointed as Additional Advocates General for the State of Bihar.
• Their primary role is to represent Bihar in cases before the Supreme Court of India and advise the state government.
• The Bihar Law Department notified these appointments on September 10, following recommendations from a selection committee.
• These appointments were made under the framework of the Bihar Law Officers (Engagement) Rules, 2023.
• Sinha, an AOR, has 17 years of experience in corporate law, while Ranjan has over 20 years of Supreme Court practice across diverse legal fields.

As Additional Advocates General, Ashwarya Sinha and Keshav Ranjan are now tasked with conducting the State of Bihar's cases before the Supreme Court and providing legal counsel to the government.

The State of Bihar has recently announced the appointment of two seasoned legal professionals, Ashwarya Sinha and Keshav Ranjan, to serve as Additional Advocates General (AAGs). Their primary mandate involves representing the State's interests and conducting its legal affairs before the Supreme Court of India. These significant appointments were officially communicated by the Bihar Law Department on September 10, following a rigorous selection process.

The formalization of these roles stems directly from the recommendations put forth by a dedicated selection committee. This committee was established under the provisions of the Bihar Law Officers (Engagement) Rules, 2023, underscoring a structured and rule-based approach to staffing critical legal positions. As AAGs, Sinha and Ranjan will play a pivotal role in shaping Bihar's legal strategy and advocacy at the nation's highest judicial forum, ensuring robust representation for the state government.

Ashwarya Sinha brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having practiced law for approximately 17 years. He is recognized as an advocate-on-record (AOR) before the Supreme Court, a specialized qualification that allows him to file and plead cases directly. Enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, Sinha's expertise lies particularly in corporate and commercial dispute resolution. His professional history includes representing a diverse clientele, such as government undertakings, private companies, and individuals, and he has also previously served as standing counsel for the Central government, demonstrating a broad understanding of public sector legal challenges.

Keshav Ranjan, a native of Samastipur, Bihar, completed his early education within the state before pursuing his legal studies in Delhi. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2005 and commenced his legal career under the tutelage of the late Ram Jethmalani, a distinguished former Union Law Minister and advocate. Ranjan's extensive practice before the Supreme Court spans more than two decades, during which he has handled a wide array of legal matters. His portfolio includes cases in civil and criminal law, constitutional law, service law, land acquisition, intellectual property rights, company law, taxation, work contracts, and arbitration, showcasing a comprehensive legal acumen.

The core responsibility of both Ashwarya Sinha and Keshav Ranjan as Additional Advocates General will be to conduct all cases pertaining to the State of Bihar that come before the Supreme Court. Beyond active litigation, they are also tasked with providing essential legal advice and counsel to the State government, thereby contributing to informed decision-making on critical legal issues. The appointment notification explicitly outlines a crucial operational requirement: both AAGs are mandated to personally appear in all matters assigned to them.

These appointments, formalized on September 10 by the Bihar Law Department, mark a significant development in the State's legal representation before the apex court, aligning with the structured selection process outlined in the Bihar Law Officers (Engagement) Rules, 2023. This framework ensures that Bihar's legal team at the Supreme Court is composed of highly qualified and experienced individuals, capable of navigating complex legal landscapes and effectively advocating for the state's interests. The emphasis on personal appearance underscores the direct engagement expected from these senior legal officers.

Lawyers and compliance officers involved in litigation concerning the Bihar government before the Supreme Court should note these appointments, as Ashwarya Sinha and Keshav Ranjan will now be the primary contacts and representatives for the State. This impacts case management, strategy, and understanding the state's legal representation in the apex court, particularly under the new Bihar Law Officers (Engagement) Rules, 2023.

Source: Reporting based on recent legal news.