Mukul Rohatgi as Attorney-General still not confirmed

NEW DELHI: Almost a week after it was widely reported that Mukul Rohatgi, senior Supreme Court lawyer, had been cleared for appointment as the BJP-led government’s Attorney-General as well as Rohatgi’s own media interactions as a presumptive AG appointee, there has been no official notification for this key job.

Answering ET’s questions, Rohatgi confirmed he hasn’t received an official notification. He also said he did not know the reason behind the delay. Rohatgi had appeared to confirm his appointment last week. Speaking to ET last Thursday, he had said his "first task would be to streamline litigation in court, cut down unnecessary appeals and try and prevent government departments from litigating against each other".

A senior government functionary told ET the appoint of Ranjit Kumar as Solicitor-General, also widely reported, "was more or less through but a final decision has not yet been taken on the appointment of the AG.". "The appointment of the AG is going through the relevant structure," he added.

Another government official said the law ministry had till a few days ago not initiated the file for Rohatgi’s appointment as it was awaiting instructions from the PMO. The ministry does not want to be seen as suo motto recommending Rohatgi’s name, this official said. Both persons spoke on the condition they not be identified.