Rajasthan Law Department Faces Another Controversy After Nepotism Allegations Against Jogaram Patel

The resignation of Manish Patel as Rajasthan’s Additional Advocate General (AAG) has stirred fresh controversy within the state’s Law Department. Manish, the son of Law Minister Jogaram Patel, stepped down amid accusations of nepotism. His resignation came just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jodhpur on August 25, marking the end of a month-long controversy that began when the Congress accused the BJP of favoritism in the appointment.

In March, under the leadership of his father, the Law Department appointed Manish as the AAG in the High Court’s Jodhpur principal seat. This decision sparked outrage, leading to claims of nepotism against Jogaram Patel. The controversy seemed to cool down after Manish’s resignation, but the department soon found itself in the spotlight again.

The latest issue involves the appointment of Padmesh Mishra as the new AAG. Initially appointed as a Panel Lawyer for the Supreme Court on August 20, Mishra’s designation was abruptly changed just three days later, bypassing standard procedures. Under the State Litigation Policy, a minimum of ten years of experience is required for the role of AAG. However, Mishra, with only five years of experience, was appointed after the department amended the policy, allowing appointments based on “expertise in the respective field.”

The changes and appointments raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj defended the decisions, stating that they were made according to the rules and based on individual merit, dismissing the notion that familial connections disqualified candidates.

Earlier, the Congress had brought up the issue of government lawyer appointments, particularly targeting Manish Patel’s selection, during a state Assembly session. Accusations of procedural impropriety and nepotism flew, with the opposition demanding explanations. The situation escalated to the point where Congress MLA Mukesh Bhakar was suspended for six months for refusing to leave the session during a protest.

Despite the backlash, the BJP defended Manish Patel’s appointment, attributing it to his qualifications rather than his familial ties. The controversy culminated in his resignation, which was framed as a personal decision, influenced by the impact the position had on his private legal practice.

Jogaram Patel, a three-term MLA from the Luni constituency in Jodhpur, has generally avoided controversy throughout his career. As an OBC leader, his political journey began with the Rajasthan Samajik Nyay Manch before joining the BJP, where he gained prominence and eventually became a key figure in the state’s Law Department. His leadership and decision-making are now under scrutiny, with the recent controversies casting a shadow on his tenure.