Senior Advocate P Sreekumar was recently appointed as the first Additional Solicitor General (ASG) for the Kerala High Court by the Central government.

Bar & Bench's Praisy Thomas spoke to him on his appointment and his expectations.

Edited excerpts follow.

Praisy Thomas (PT): What does being the first Additional Solicitor General for Kerala High Court mean to you? What are your priorities?

P Sreekumar (PS): As you said, this is the first ASG appointment in the State. So, even the entire system is not familiar with the post. First and foremost, I have to find out what are my responsibilities.

I was going through the conditions attached to the law offices. I think the ASG's duties are similar to those of the other law officers, except that he will be in charge of the (Central government's) litigation in the whole State. I will try my best to see that the whole work is coordinated in a proper way.

There is already a Deputy Solicitor General (DSG OM Shalina) and she has been doing very well. I think I will get full help from her also. I just had a chat with her and I will be meeting her the day after tomorrow. We will then figure out how everything has to be properly conducted.

My primary aim is to see that our junior lawyers are given ample opportunities, because even after our time, there should be good lawyers. There should be persons who are eligible to come to these posts or even a higher post. As a senior member of the Bar, it is my duty to see that they are given proper guidance to the extent possible.

For these last 32 years, I was doing litigation for different clients. Now in this role, I will be doing the same for the government.

PT: How do you see the role of ASG differ from that of the Deputy Solicitor General, particularly in handling Union government litigation?

PS: There won't be much difference as far as I understand. The only difference is that as per law, when the ASG is available, he is in charge of the litigation. In the absence of the ASG, DSG was doing it and when ASG comes, ASG will take over, that is all.

PT: What is the significance of this role and the expectations attached to it?

PS: Without an ASG, senior lawyers or law officers have to come from outside the State. They may not be familiar with the rules, laws or language here in Kerala.

I have been practicing at the Kerala High Court for the last 30 years and dealing with the litigation and laws concerning the State. So I am well-versed with the system here. I think that will be my advantage. Because if I go to Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, I may have some difficulty. Of course, law is same, but local law and other things could make things difficult.

PT: How do you feel about being the first Additional Solicitor General for the Kerala High Court?

PS: I feel that I have been rewarded because of the last 32 years of my dedicated work. It is always a matter of pride because I will remain a part of the history as the first ASG.

I am very happy because the government found that I am fit for this post. It is not an easy task to be there. I think it is an acceptance or a remuneration or a reward for my hard work for the last 32 years.