NEW DELHI: Defending his position, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi on Thursday said he required only the Central government’s permission for appearing in a case challenging Kerala’s liquor policy, which he duly obtained much ahead of the hearing in the Supreme Court.
“I have taken the permission from the Law Ministry for appearing in a private case. If the State of Kerala feels that my appearance is wrong, then they should hire a more efficient lawyer,” the AG told television channels.
He reiterated that he would continue to appear on the next date, July 28. His response came days after Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy expressed displeasure over his appearance in the Supreme Court against the State’s policy.
The presence of AG in the case had triggered a debate in the State as the highest legal officer of the Centre was appearing for bar owners against the State’s liquor policy.
Chandy had written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi the State’s strong resentment against the AG’s act. Chandy urged Modi to ensure that when the case is taken up before the apex court this should not be repeated by the AG under any circumstances. “This was a serious issue and the Prime Minister should make the Centre’s stand clear,” Chandy said.