Appointment of BJP MLA's Son as Additional Public Prosecutor Without Interview Triggers Debate in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 11, 2026

The appointment of Soumyadip Saha Ray, son of BJP's Teliamura MLA Kalyani Saha Roy, as an Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) in the Tripura High Court has sparked widespread discussion within the state's legal fraternity over the selection process and the advocate's relative lack of experience.

Soumyadip Saha Ray formally joined as an Additional Public Prosecutor on July 10, filling a vacancy that had remained unoccupied for nearly five months following the resignation of former APP Rajib Saha in February this year.

According to information available, Soumyadip Saha Ray is a relatively junior advocate. His appointment has attracted attention after reports claimed that he was appointed without any formal interview or competitive selection process.

Sources said that after the post became vacant, the State Government had initially proposed another lawyer for appointment. However, the proposal reportedly did not receive the approval of the Tripura High Court. Under the existing legal framework, appointments of Public Prosecutors and Additional Public Prosecutors require the approval of the High Court.

Following the court's reported direction to submit a fresh proposal, the State Law Department recommended the name of Soumyadip Saha Ray. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the High Court, leading to his appointment.

The post of Additional Public Prosecutor is considered a significant legal assignment, as the APP represents the State Government in criminal cases before the High Court and assists the judiciary in conducting prosecutions.

The appointment has nevertheless generated debate among members of the legal community. Some advocates have questioned the appointment of a comparatively junior lawyer to such an important position and have sought greater transparency in the selection process. Concerns have also been raised over the reported absence of an interview before the appointment.

As of now, neither the State Government nor Soumyadip Saha Ray has issued any public statement responding to the concerns.

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