Can Govt Counsel Appear For Accused In Criminal Cases Registered By State? Calcutta High Court Calls For Report

The Calcutta High Court called for a report from the legal remembrance of the government of West Bengal on whether government retainer counsel can be allowed to appear for accused in criminal cases registered by the State. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh was hearing a case involving BJP leader Arjun Singh and recalled a similar situation with Advocate General appearing for Recruitment Scam accused Partha Chatterjee. The court emphasized that government retainers should not accept private briefs once they have accepted retainership. The court stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and attachment towards the state or center. The court directed the legal remembrance to submit a report on the principles followed by the state regarding government retainers appearing for accused in criminal cases.