The guidelines empower the Central government to de-empanel a counsel at any time for acting against instructions, failing to return briefs, misappropriation of money including court fees or costs, contempt of court, professional misconduct or conviction by a court of law.
An empanelled advocate may resign by giving at least one month’s prior notice in writing to the Central government.
“The one month prior notice may be relaxed with the approval of Competent Authority,” the OM states.
Further, empanelled advocates cannot assign, transfer or delegate a case or brief to another advocate without prior written approval, and must maintain strict confidentiality over all ministry/ department records and information.
“The allocation of cases, briefs, or legal matters to an empanelled advocate shall be entirely at the discretion of the Department of Legal Affairs. Empanelment shall not confer any right or guarantee to receive a minimum number of assignments.”