Chhattisgarh Appoints Vivek Sharma as New Advocate General; Youngest to Hold the Post

Digital Desk

The Chhattisgarh government has appointed Additional Advocate General Vivek Sharma as the new Advocate General of the state. Governor Ramesh Bais accepted the resignation of former Advocate General Prafulla Kumar Bharat and approved Sharma’s appointment, according to notifications issued by the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs.

Two separate orders were releasedone accepting Bharat’s resignation and the other confirming Sharma’s elevation to the top legal post. Sharma, 45, was serving as Additional Advocate General in the High Court and is now the youngest Advocate General to assume charge in Chhattisgarh. Dainik Bhaskar Digital had reported three days earlier that Sharma was likely to be appointed.

The Advocate General represents the state government in cases before the High Court. The office currently has 6 Additional AGs, 7 Deputy AGs, 12 Government Advocates, 11 Deputy Government Advocates, and nearly 100 panel lawyers.

RSS Preference Considered

Sources earlier indicated that the selection was likely to be influenced by the preferences of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Names shortlisted included Additional AG Yashwant Thakur, Vivek Sharma, and senior advocate Manoj Paranjpe.

Prafulla Bharat’s Sudden Resignation

On November 17, Prafulla Bharat unexpectedly resigned from his post. Earlier that day, he had represented the state in several matters and even issued instructions to colleagues for hearings scheduled the next morning. His resignation came around 9 p.m., surprising many in legal and administrative circles.

Although the reason for his resignation was not disclosed, the development is viewed as significant, given that the Advocate General’s position though constitutional is often politically influenced.

In his resignation letter, Bharat thanked Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, the cabinet, bureaucrats, and legal colleagues for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve as the state’s top law officer.

Bharat, who began his career in the Jagdalpur district court, previously served as Additional Advocate General from 2014 to 2018 during Chief Minister Raman Singh’s tenure. He was designated Senior Advocate in 2021 and appointed Advocate General on January 12, 2024.