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My primary endeavour was to ensure a sense of participation, attachment and commitment to performance. Therefore, a team within the team was created, which was entrusted the specialised subjects for ensuring better performance and delivery in the court. This move has paid off well.

Advocate General, Uttar pradesh SMA Kazmi

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What steps have you taken to improve functioning of State Counsels’ office in Hc?

My primary endeavour was to ensure a sense of participation, attachment and commitment to performance. Therefore, a team within the team was created, which was entrusted the specialised subjects for ensuring better performance and delivery in the court. This move has paid off well.

What measures have been taken to increase the efficiency of State Counsels ?

The efficiency can be increased by providing a sense of recognition. Neither I lose any opportunity of acknowledging the good work done by the State Counsels, nor do I let any mistake go unnoticed. This approach is a guarantee for ensuring improvement in efficiency.

How did you ensure that replies (counter affidavits) are filed by various state government departments promptly before the High Court ?

Immediately after I took over as Advocate-General, a meeting was convened under my chairmanship, in which right from chief secretary to all the principal secretaries and heads of all departments of the State participated. Exhaustive discussions were held and resolutions adopted. In pursuance thereto, the counter affidavits were ensured to be filed with much better quality and quickness. As a result, the rate of filing of counter affidavits has been much higher.

Did you notice any change in the functioning of AG's office after your take-over?

I have noticed that at all the three centres i.e. Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court and Lucknow Bench, the State Counsels feel much comfortable with the office of Advocate-General as the doors are open for them 24 hours. Anyone can seek the help of Advocate-General anytime. This approach has provided free movement and interaction to state counsels with this office.

What is your message to young lawyers and also to those aspiring to join the state counsels' panel ?

I have been consistently saying that the profession of law provides multi-faceted challenges, but the only way to success is to be available, be acceptable and try to become indispensable for the system and also for your client. Those who stick to this golden principle are sure to become successful.

The entry into state counsels' panel is far easier than establishing your worth as a lawyer where only merit and hard work matters.