Kathua case: Defence lawyer for accused appointed AAG by J&K government

In a move which has raised eyebrows, one of the defence counsel for accused in the Kathua gang rape and murder trial has been appointed Additional Advocate General (AAG) by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Aseem Sawhey, son of A K Sawhney who is representing one of the accused was appointed AAG by the J& K government. It is pertinent to mention here that Aseem was previously inducted as Deputy Advocate General by the State.

He has now been “elevated” to the post of Additional Advocate General by the Governor of the State. Aseem has maintained that it is his father who is representing the accused and that he has not appeared in the case since July 2. He has also claimed that there is no “conflict of interest” even if he stands appointed as a government lawyer.


However, as per available information it was Aseem Sawhney who had cross examined the witnesses including the father of the eight year old nomad girl.

As first reported by ET, the prosecution has taken serious objection to Aseem’s father, A K Sawhney giving daily briefing to the Press after Court proceedings. The Prosecution has sought directions from the court to preserve the sanctity of in-camera proceedings as ordered by the Supreme Court.

As per available information, one of the prosecutors had also objected to Aseem Sawhney “flashing a newsbreak” to the Press even when the Court proceedings were on.

One of the prosecutors had complained to the Court after a Whatsapp message, claimed the prosecutor, was typed by Sawhney to alert the Press about a “breaking news”. The development pertained about a witness retracting from his previous statement.

The Kathua rape trial is being conducted on day-to-day basis. Over ten witnesses have been examined. The trial has a total of 221 witnesses.