Anil Singh, a highly experienced senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General (ASG), has been re-appointed to the prestigious position at the Bombay High Court for a fixed tenure of three years. His reinstatement marks a significant development, especially given his long-standing legal career and prior contributions to the judiciary. Singh had earlier served in the role for an impressive nine years before stepping down in July 2023, after which he returned to private practice.
Following his resignation, the Centre appointed Devang Vyas, who was then serving as ASG at the Gujarat High Court, to temporarily oversee the responsibilities at the Bombay High Court. Initially, Vyas’s appointment was intended to last only six months, but it was repeatedly extended as the search for a permanent replacement continued. In the meantime, Singh had been approached twice with the offer to return as ASG. While he initially declined to rejoin, he eventually accepted the position after careful consideration, leading to his formal reappointment.
During his previous tenure, Singh was at the forefront of several high-profile and politically sensitive legal battles. He frequently represented the central government and its investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He played a crucial role in cases linked to high-profile figures, including Bollywood celebrities such as Rhea Chakraborty and Aryan Khan in narcotics-related investigations. His legal expertise was also instrumental in handling politically charged cases involving former Maharashtra ministers and leaders like Anil Deshmukh, Nawab Malik, and Sanjay Raut, all of whom faced extended periods of incarceration as a result of corruption and money laundering allegations.
Singh’s reinstatement as ASG is expected to bring a sense of continuity and strategic legal direction to the Centre’s cases in Maharashtra, particularly at a time when several politically sensitive matters are being pursued by central investigative agencies. His extensive experience in navigating complex legal frameworks and handling high-stakes cases will likely make him a key figure in ongoing and upcoming legal battles. His return also signals the government’s preference for an experienced and tested legal mind to handle critical cases in a politically dynamic state like Maharashtra.
