Dimapur, September 12 (MExN): The Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) has strongly rejected the recent press statement issued by the Government Panel Advocates regarding the appointment and engagement of the State's Advocate General.
In an executive committee meeting held on September 11, 2026, the NBA deliberated on the September 8, 2026 press statement issued by the Additional Advocate Generals and Government Panel Advocates. The panel advocates had previously accused the bar of questioning the incumbent Advocate General's engagement "without any Constitutional mandate," describing the NBA's stand as "in no uncertain terms in defiance of reason and fair play," "circumvent, impetuous and supercilious," and "manifestly arbitrary and without any accepted standard of conduct".
Reacting to these allegations, members present at the NBA meeting unanimously concluded that the capitulation of the Government Panel Advocates to a constitutional authority—which allegedly demeaned the very people the authority represents—is entirely unacceptable.
Reiterating its position, the Bar stated that its stand is clear, unambiguous, and twofold: First, the Advocate General of the State of Nagaland must be appointed and engaged from amongst the State's own legal fraternity. Second, the incumbent Advocate General has insulted and demeaned the very people he is representing.
Expressing surprise that its own members serving as Government Panel Advocates chose to oppose the Bar's decisions, the executive committee resolved to issue a formal rebuttal. Furthermore, the NBA has decided to seek the opinions of its federating units to determine the appropriate course of action against this opposition.
Describing the panel advocates' statement as "missing the forest for the trees," an esteemed member of the Bar emphasized that the interests of the local legal fraternity should never be sacrificed for personal gain. The NBA maintains that good sense will prevail and has affirmed that the decisions taken during the meeting will be followed through.
The communication was officially signed by NBA President A Zhimomi and Joint Secretary Akum Pongen.
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