For the first time, serving judge appointed Union Law Secretary

New Delhi: Anoop Kumar Mendiratta has been appointed as the new Law Secretary, in a break from the past where one of the additional secretaries from a pool of Indian Legal Services (ILS) cadre used to be elevated to the post.

The appointment of Mendiratta, currently District and Sessions Judge Karkardooma, North-East District, is being seen as a new chapter in the functioning of the Ministry of Law and Justice. Mendiratta, known as a 'stickler for rules', is viewed by his peer group and lawyers as a 'strict' judge. He was appointed on Monday after a search cum-selection committee shortlisted him from among more than 60 candidates. Top sources in the government said it wanted to "attract the best talent" in the legal field, rather than sticking to the ILS pool.

"The post of Law Secretary is pivotal, not only to the Law Ministry but also to all the Ministries of the government. For, from the Cabinet Secretary to Home Secretary to other Secretaries, anyone may require legal advice on urgent basis. It was decided that merit should not take a backseat. Hence, it was decided to advertise for the post and pick the most meritorious candidate", said a senior government official, requesting anonymity. Three years back, in March 2016, when the Narendra Modi government advertised for the coveted post, several legal experts and lawyers - including a serving Additional Solicitor General – applied. However, an additional secretary was given the job, bypassing two of his seniors, in June of that year.


As opposed to the 'stringent' conditions then, the government chose to offer more elbow room for candidates to apply for the post in March this year. Mendiratta has presided over the Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal (MACT) and has been special CBI Judge in 2012." Mendiratta is known for his impeccable integrity and no-nonsense approach towards work", a retired High Court Judge told ET on the condition of anonymity.