The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify whether state-paid advocates can represent private individuals in lawsuits against the state. This inquiry was initiated by Justice Saurabh Lavania during a contempt petition hearing on May 8, concerning a case filed by Ashok Kumar Singh and 28 others, who alleged that government officials had engaged in wilful disobedience of a court order issued in 2025. The court noted that the advocate representing the petitioners, Sudhir Kumar Mishra, is currently serving as an Additional Government Advocate (AGA), which raised questions about the dual role of state lawyers. The court is particularly focused on the terms of the retainership agreements for AGAs and whether they create a conflict of interest that should prevent them from taking cases against the government. By involving the Legal Remembrancer, the court aims to establish a clear precedent regarding the conduct of government-contracted lawyers in private practice. The Uttar Pradesh government has been asked to provide a formal response, with the matter scheduled for further review on May 18.