Maharashtra Advocate General (AG) Dr. Birendra Saraf has tendered his resignation citing personal reasons and a desire to return to private practice. He will demit office on September 30, bringing to a close a tenure of a little over three years.
Dr. Saraf, appointed as Advocate General in August 2022, submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In it, he noted that stepping down at the end of September would provide the State government sufficient time to appoint his successor and ensure a smooth transition.
Sources said Dr. Saraf expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the government for reposing faith in him, describing his tenure as “an honour and a privilege” in his professional career.
Dr. Saraf reflected on his time in office: “It was a satisfying three years and I wanted to get back to my private life.”
Career and Contributions
Dr. Saraf has been practicing before the Bombay High Court for over 25 years. A graduate of Government Law College, Mumbai, and a topper at Mumbai University, he began his career in the chambers of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. After Justice Chandrachud’s elevation to the Bombay High Court in 2000, Saraf worked with former Advocate General Ravi Kadam.
In 2020, he was designated as a Senior Advocate. He also served as Secretary of the Bombay Bar Association for six years.
Through his career, Dr. Saraf has appeared in several high-profile and controversial matters. Notably, he represented Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in her 2020 plea against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s demolition action at her Bandra property. The Bombay High Court quashed the notice and allowed her to restore her residence.
He also appeared in proceedings concerning the dispute between Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and its largest shareholder, Invesco Developing Markets Fund.
The Maharashtra government is expected to initiate the process of appointing a new Advocate General shortly to succeed Dr. Saraf.
