Senior advocate Pitambar Acharya has been appointed as the new Advocate General of Odisha, effective immediately. The announcement was made on Friday, following the approval of the state’s Governor.

Acharya, 59, is well-known for his significant role in the legal battle for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple. His appointment marks a notable transition in the state’s legal leadership.

In addition to his legal achievements, Acharya contested the 2019 assembly elections as the BJP candidate in the Hinjili constituency, where he ran against then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The official notification, issued by the Governor’s office, stated: “In pursuance of Clause (1) of Article 165 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of Odisha is pleased to appoint Sri Pitambar Acharya, Senior Advocate, High Court of Orissa, to be the Advocate General of the State of Odisha with immediate effect.”

Acharya’s appointment is expected to bring a new perspective to the office of the Advocate General, as he takes on the role of the chief legal advisor to the state government. His extensive experience in legal matters and his involvement in high-profile cases are anticipated to contribute significantly to his new position.