New guidelines for appointment of Central Government counsel: 3-year tenure, 10-year practice and eligibility rules

Direct fact

In August 2026, the Union Law Ministry issued new guidelines for appointing Central Government counsel to represent the Union in the Supreme Court, High Courts, district courts, tribunals and quasi-judicial forums, with a 3-year tenure.

Key specifics

• Applicants must hold a law degree from an institution recognised by the Bar Council of India.
• They must be enrolled with a State Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961, and have passed the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
• Lawyers with 10 years of practice may be considered based on legal skill, case record, conduct and integrity.
• Experience in income tax, customs, GST and PMLA matters will be considered for special panels before courts, tribunals and judicial forums.
• Annual performance review is mandatory, and lawyers can be removed for contempt of court, professional misconduct or conviction by a court.

Exam lens

Polity and governance match-the-following, Union Law Ministry, Advocates Act, 1961, AIBE, 3-year tenure, 10-year practice, annual review, confidentiality of ministry-related information — a likely TNPSC question on eligibility and removal conditions for government counsel.