Punjab Advocate General Resigns Amidst Government Scrutiny, Marking Fourth Exit in Three Years

Chandigarh, Punjab – In a significant development for the legal landscape of Punjab, Gurminder Singh , a Senior Advocate, has resigned from his position as Advocate General (AG) of the state. This marks the fourth Advocate General to step down under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab within its three-year tenure, raising questions about the stability and functioning of the state's top legal office.

Gurminder Singh , known in legal circles as ‘Gerry’, assumed the role of Advocate General on October 6, 2023, succeeding Vinod Ghai , who had resigned citing “personal reasons.” Singh 's own resignation comes after approximately 18 months in office. According to sources, he tendered his resignation on Sunday, March 30, 2025, although the news began circulating on Saturday , March 29th.

While Gurminder Singh remained unavailable for comment, a senior Punjab government official confirmed the resignation to The Indian Express , stating, “His resignation has been accepted. Within two-three days, the government will appoint a new AG.” Singh himself, in his resignation letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, reportedly cited his intention to resume his private practice as the primary reason for his departure, stating, “As I intend to resume my private practice, I am not inclined to continue on the post.”

However, sources within the government and legal fraternity suggest a more complex narrative behind this resignation. Speculation points towards growing dissatisfaction within the AAP dispensation regarding the performance of the Advocate General’s office, particularly in light of recent legal setbacks suffered by the government in various court cases.

Mounting Legal Challenges and Government Discontent

The AAP government in Punjab has faced increasing scrutiny over its legal strategies and outcomes in recent months. Embarrassing defeats in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, notably the quashing of FIRs against former Congress ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Sunder Sham Arora in separate alleged scam cases, are believed to have contributed to a sense of unease within the government regarding its legal representation.

Further fueling this unease was the government's earlier misstep in prematurely dissolving panchayats last year. The High Court’s intervention forced the government to withdraw its notification, resulting in significant public embarrassment. Following this incident, Chief Minister Mann had even suspended two senior IAS officers, attributing the fiasco to administrative lapses.

These high-profile legal defeats reportedly led to a critical assessment of the Advocate General’s office’s effectiveness. A government source indicated that the AAP administration was "not happy with the performance of the AG’s office especially after the government had lost several cases in the courts.”

Adding to the backdrop of potential tension, just last month, the government removed Varinder Kumar , a 1993-batch IPS officer, from his position as chief director of the state Vigilance Bureau, a move also reportedly linked to the government's legal setbacks in the Ashu and Arora cases.

Internal Dynamics and Policy Shifts within the AG Office

Beyond the courtroom losses, internal issues within the Advocate General’s office are also cited as a potential factor in Gurminder Singh 's decision. Reports suggest “internal issues within the A-G office, including extensions of law officers” were a point of contention. It is believed that the handling of extensions for law officers, with not all receiving renewals, led to dissatisfaction and potentially contributed to a challenging working environment.

Adding another layer of complexity, the AAP government in Punjab, like its national counterpart, is reportedly undergoing internal adjustments following the party’s less-than-stellar performance in recent Delhi elections. Sources suggest that these broader political shifts and policy re-evaluations may have also indirectly influenced the situation within the Punjab Advocate General’s office.

A Pattern of Resignations: The Fourth AG Under AAP Rule

Gurminder Singh 's resignation continues a notable trend of Advocate Generals exiting their positions prematurely under the AAP government in Punjab. When the AAP assumed power in March 2022, D.S. Patwalia was the Advocate General. Patwalia resigned within a mere two days of the new government taking charge. He was succeeded by Anmol Rattan Sidhu , who also resigned after a brief four-month stint in July 2022. Vinod Ghai then took over, serving until October 5, 2023, before Gurminder Singh was appointed. Singh ’s resignation now marks the fourth change at the helm of the state's legal office in just three years.

This rapid turnover at such a crucial position raises concerns about consistency in legal strategy, potential disruptions in ongoing cases, and the overall morale within the Advocate General's office and the broader legal apparatus of the state.

Gurminder Singh : A Profile in Law

Prior to his appointment as Advocate General, Gurminder Singh was a highly respected Senior Advocate with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. A law graduate from Panjab University, Chandigarh (LLB, 1989), and designated as Senior Advocate in 2014, Singh is a first-generation lawyer who commenced his practice in 1989.

He possesses extensive experience in constitutional, criminal, and service litigation and has appeared before the Supreme Court and various High Courts, including those in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh . His clientele has included prominent bodies such as the Medical Council of India, Dental Council of India, Union Public Service Commission, and the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, along with numerous state boards and corporations. He also served as standing counsel for these entities. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also appointed him as Amicus Curiae in several Public Interest Litigations, recognizing his legal expertise and impartiality.

Looking Ahead: Search for a Successor Begins

With Gurminder Singh 's resignation accepted, the Punjab government is now tasked with swiftly appointing a new Advocate General. Sources indicate that the government aims to fill the position within two to three days. Names circulating as potential successors include Ms. Anu Chatrath , Puneet Bali , APS Deol, and Akshay Bhan, all prominent figures within the Punjab and Haryana High Court legal fraternity.

The appointment of the next Advocate General will be closely watched, particularly in light of the recent challenges and controversies surrounding the office. The incoming AG will inherit a complex portfolio, tasked with navigating sensitive legal battles and restoring stability and confidence within the state’s legal framework. The legal community in Punjab and observers of state governance await the government's decision and the direction it signals for the future of legal administration in the state.