Rajasthan CM announces hike in fees for law officers
Jaipur, Aug 8 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday announced an increase in retainership and appearance fees for law officers representing the Rajasthan government in the High Court. Drafting and opinion fees will also be raised, in a move aimed at strengthening support for the state’s legal machinery.
Sharma said effective law and order and accessible justice strengthen public confidence in the government and contribute to the realisation of good governance in Rajasthan. He described public prosecutors as a crucial link in the judicial process, with responsibilities ranging from representing the state in courts to ensuring justice reaches the most marginalised sections of society.
The Chief Minister was addressing an interactive session with public prosecutors and law officers at his residence.
He said needy and aggrieved people approach the justice system with hope, and a sensitive and positive approach by prosecutors can strengthen their confidence.
He urged them to discharge responsibilities by maintaining a balance between legal requirements and human empathy.
Sharma announced that Additional Advocates General would be assigned divisional‑level responsibilities to facilitate regular interaction with law officers and address issues related to their work.
The state government has previously increased the remuneration of law officers appointed to the Supreme Court, High Court and subordinate courts on two occasions. Public prosecutors and law officers expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the decision.
Sharma suggested that regular seminars and interactive sessions be organised so that public prosecutors can benefit from the experience of senior advocates. Such forums, he said, would also provide opportunities to collectively discuss and find solutions to practical challenges arising in cases.
He emphasised stronger coordination and communication between law officers and senior officials at departmental and district levels.
The Chief Minister noted that cases pending in courts for years increase project costs and delay implementation. He directed officials to identify cases involving public interest, prepare lists in every district and department, and ensure regular monitoring for speedy disposal.
He said the state government has established various courts, including 14 District and Sessions Courts, 2 Additional District and Sessions Courts, 8 Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Courts and 8 Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Courts. Special courts have also been set up for cases relating to the Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB), POCSO, the N.I. Act, NDPS and commercial disputes.
Sharma said 10 Additional Advocates General, 9 Additional Government Counsels and 2 Special Public Prosecutors have been appointed in the Rajasthan High Court. At the same time, 40 new ministerial posts have been created for the offices of the new Additional Advocates General.
In addition, 76 new posts have been created for Public Prosecutors, Special Public Prosecutors and Additional Public Prosecutors, along with 109 ministerial posts in subordinate offices and 77 posts for Home Guards.
He said efforts are underway to establish offices for public prosecutors and provide necessary facilities, including computers and support staff, to improve efficiency. Sharma stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring easy access to justice for every needy person.
Under the Prisoner and Child Protection Scheme, legal aid has been provided to 27,251 individuals. Under the Rajasthan Victim Compensation Scheme, compensation amounting to Rs 84.53 crore has been awarded to 3,905 victims.
He said 1.20 lakh legal literacy camps have been organised, benefiting 76.67 lakh people.
Speaking on the occasion, Law and Legal Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel highlighted the importance of strengthening the legal system and improving coordination among law officers, prosecutors and government departments.
He appreciated the government’s initiatives to strengthen judicial infrastructure and provide better facilities and remuneration to legal professionals.
Senior officials, public prosecutors and law officers were present during the interactive session.
–IANS
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