ORDER

The captioned writ petition is filed by the petitioner, who was appointed as Additional Government Pleader, assailing impugned Notification dated 01.01.2024 as per Annexure-B, which relates to Part-1 Sl. No.15 by which petitioner is removed from the post of Additional Government Pleader and consequently, respondent No.3 is appointed as Additional Government Pleader.

2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, learned AGA for respondent Nos.1 and 2 and learned counsel appearing for respondent No.3.

3. The short point that needs consideration at the hands of this Court is;

"whether under impugned Notification vide Annexure –B, respondent No.2 could have appointed respondent No.4 as Additional Government Pleader in contravention of Rule 26(2) of the Karnataka Law Officers (Appointment and Conditions of Service), Rules, 1977 (for short ‘Rules 1977)?"

4. The issue relating to appointment of Additional Government Pleader is no more res-integra and the same is given quietus by the judgment rendered by the Division Bench in the case of HANUMANTHA RAO KULKARNI V. STATE OF KARNATAKA AND ANOTHER in Writ Appeal No.1937/2006. It is nobodies case that respondent No.3, in the present