Sushma's husband appointed to State panel in SC

 
The appointment of Swaraj Kaushal has raised eye brows in the political circle as it has come only a few days after the announcement of truce by the ministerial trio from Bellary and CM Yeddyurappa.

Sushma Swaraj is the political mentor of powerful Reddy brothers, and it was because of her intervention, the differences between the two camps were ironed out recently. A source said Minister Janardhan Reddy was keen on having Kaushal on the panel as Sushma herself was for it. In Delhi, the truce between the two warring camps was drawn at Sushma’s residence.

The senior advocates in the panel represent the State with regard to important cases in the Supreme Court. It may be inter-state boundary dispute or river water dispute or cases pertaining to illegal mining or important infrastructure projects, these senior advocates play a key role in getting justice to the State.

It is the discretion of the State Government to appoint any senior SC advocate to its panel. The appointment will be made as per the Karnataka Law Officers (Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules 1977.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar, in a letter dated November 26, 2009 stated, “Swaraj Kaushal in being appointed as the State’s panel of senior advocates so that his services may be availed in important matters involving substantial financial implications or nay major policy matters of the State Government.”

Born on 1952, Swaraj Kaushal studied law in Punjab University. He has served as the Governor of Mizoram (1990-1993) and Rajya Sabha MP (1998-2004). He was also the first Advocate General of Mizoram (1986-1987). Kaushal was associated with Socialist Party.

He played a prominent role in negotiations for Mizoram Peace Accord which ended 20 years of insurgency. He also represented the Union Government in the Nagaland peace negotiations. When contacted, the Minister said Swaraj Kaushal has been appointed to strengthen the State panel in the SC.