Guwahati, May 14: Senior advocate Devajit Saikia has been reappointed as the Advocate General of Assam for a fresh term of five years. The decision was approved by the Assam Cabinet on May 13, shortly after the formation of the new government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Saikia had earlier stepped down from the constitutional post on May 6 following the completion of the previous government’s tenure, citing constitutional convention and established practice.

With the latest appointment, Saikia will continue as the chief legal advisor to the Assam government and represent the state in important matters before the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court.

He was first appointed as Advocate General in May 2021 and became the youngest person to hold the post in Assam. During his tenure, he handled several key constitutional, administrative and policy-related cases on behalf of the state government.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government had decided to continue with Saikia in view of his experience and contribution in legal matters concerning the state.

Apart from his legal responsibilities, Devajit Saikia is also associated with cricket administration and currently serves as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Legal observers believe that his continuation as Advocate General will provide stability and continuity in handling several ongoing and upcoming cases involving the Assam government

• D. Dutta