Senior Advocate Surojit Nath Mitra has been appointed as the new Advocate General of West Bengal, the state's judicial department confirmed on 29 May. The appointment follows the resignation of his predecessor, Kishore Datta, who stepped down on 5 May — a day after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared.

The Official Notification

The Principal Secretary to the West Bengal judicial department issued a formal notification invoking Clause (1) of Article 165 of the Constitution of India. It read: 'In exercise of power conferred by Clause (1) of Article 165 of the Constitution of India, the Governor is hereby pleased to appoint Shri Surojit Nath Mitra, Senior Advocate, High Court, Calcutta, to be the Advocate General for the State of West Bengal on usual terms and conditions, until further orders, with effect from the afternoon of 29th May.'

Who Is Surojit Nath Mitra

Mitra has been a practising legal professional since 1983 — a career spanning over four decades. His primary areas of expertise are civil and commercial law, making him a seasoned figure in the Calcutta High Court's legal fraternity. His appointment signals a preference for institutional legal experience at a time when the state government is navigating a complex post-election legal landscape.

The Turbulent Tenure of Kishore Datta

Kishore Datta, described as a close confidant of outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had a notably eventful association with the Advocate General's office. He served in the role twice during the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's tenure since 2011. His first stint ended when the state government came under pressure over post-poll violence following the 2021 Assembly elections, after which Soumendranath Mukherjee took over. Mukherjee, however, resigned suddenly in November 2023, paving the way for Datta's return for a second term.

The Political Context Behind the Resignation

Datta's resignation on 5 May coincided with a significant legal development: advocates from the legal cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, requesting that verdicts and orders in state-related cases be put on hold until the formation of a new state cabinet. The timing underscored the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the state's legal establishment in the immediate aftermath of the election results. Mitra steps into the role against this backdrop, with the new government yet to be formally constituted.

What Comes Next

With the new West Bengal government in its formative stage, the Advocate General's office will play a critical role in managing pending state litigation and advising on constitutional matters. Mitra's extensive background in civil and commercial law positions him to navigate the legal challenges expected in the transition period.