In Brief
Fifteen advocates appointed as Government Pleaders/Public Prosecutors in Maharashtra had their appointments cancelled in August 2015 under Rule 30(5) of the Maharashtra Law Officers Rules 1984 (for misconduct). The High Court quashed this as procedurally unfair. During the appeal's pendency, their terms expired. The Supreme Court modified the cancellation to be treated as having been made under Rule 30(6) (termination at pleasure), which requires one month's notice or retainer payment. The Court directed the State to pay one month's retainer to each respondent within three months, while clarifying that the modified order would not bar their future re-appointment by the State.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.