IT WAS a matter of pride for the Allahabad High Court when, for the first time, the post of Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI) was created for it.
Thus, after Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, the Allahabad High Court became the fourth High Court with this distinction and the honour was earned by Dr Ashok Nigam, a leading lawyer and president of Awadh Bar Association, High Court, Lucknow.
Dr Nigam is easily accessible, soft-spoken and simple with his priority now, being the streamlining of the office of Central Government at the Allahabad High Court so that cases can be pursued effectively and in the best possible manner. He says, “We lose most cases due to our own fault.
Therefore, we will advise the Department not to go for litigation if the matter is genuine and not hesitate in conceding if so required.”
Speaking about the duties of a counsel, Dr Nigam says, “We are at large, the counsel for the public. Therefore, it is our duty to advice the client whatever is there in accordance with law.
As regards government cases, the government counsel should not avoid hard work. Once you have been allotted a case, it becomes your duty to handle it in the best possible manner”.
Dr Nigam added, “There is no sufficient place for the office of Central Government at the Allahabad High Court. Nor is there any library and record room. The counsels take the files to their respective chambers. Thus, it is difficult to get the files back when the term of Central Government counsels expires”.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Nigam added, “There is no sufficient place for the office of Central Government at the Allahabad High Court. Nor is there any library and record room. The counsels take the files to their respective chambers. Thus, it is difficult to get the files back when the term of Central Government counsels expires”.
{{/usCountry}}He also said, “There are some Branch Secretariats at other High Court. Since the post of ASGI has been created for the Allahabad High Court, the Branch Secretariat should be set up here too”.
Regarding his own priorities, Dr Nigam said he would focus on cases relating to the Army and para-military forces as any delay might affect the discipline of the force.
Besides, the cases relating to land acquisition, Tax, Excise and Custom would be given priority so that the Government of India does not lose out on revenue. Here's wishing him all the best.