1. In this writ petition, in public interest, the petitioner, a practising advocate, has challenged the Appointment of Law Officers of High Court of Madras and its Bench at Madurai (Appointment) Rules, 2017, hereinafter referred to as 2017 Rules, published in the Government Extraordinary Gazette No. 119 dated 29.04.2017.

2. The petitioner has also sought an order of injunction restraining the respondents from appointing law officers to represent the State of Tamil Nadu before the Constitutional Courts, Subordinate Judiciary, Professionals vis-a-vis Judicial Forums, Local Authorities, Public Bodies and other authorities without following a transparent procedure, pending disposal of the writ petition.

3. Some of the relevant provisions of the 2017 Rules are set out herein-below for convenience:

“2. Definitions - In these rules unless the context otherwise requires:-

(a) Additional Advocate General means an Advocate appointed by the Government to conduct such case as may be entrusted to him for and on behalf of the State in the High Court.

(b) Additional Government Pleader means an Advocate appointed by the Government to assist the Advocate General, Additional Advocate General, Gove