Delhi to increase number of its standing counsel

To strengthen its representation in the courts, the Delhi government on Tuesday decided to increase the posts of government standing counsel in the Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal, an official statement said.

The decision, taken in a cabinet meeting, came on the recommendations of the law department, a day after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was given its charge. There was no full time minister ever since Jitender Singh Tomar had to step down after being charged with faking his educational qualifications.

It has been also decided to create the post of senior standing counsel (civil) in the high court.

"It was decided in the meeting that one additional post of senior standing counsel (civil) will be created in the high court and number of additional standing counsels (civil) will be increased from seven to 15," the statement said.

Four new posts of additional standing counsel in the NGT would be created, it added.

The cabinet also decided to hike pay scales of prosecuting officers. The pay scale of director (prosecution) has been hiked to Rs.37,000-67,000 from Rs.15,600-39,100. As per the revised scale, pay scale of assistant public prosecutors (total 79 posts), will be Rs.15,600-39,100 as against existing Rs.9,300-34,800.