Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet today approved the Odisha State Legal Service (OSLS) Cadre Rules, 2026, marking a key administrative shift in management of government litigation. Consequent upon the transfer of the Odisha State Legal Service Cadre from the Home Department to the Law Department, the new rules have been framed to ensure smooth and efficient management of litigations in alignment with the objectives of the State Litigation Policy.
The OSLS Cadre comprises Law Officers who provide legal assistance to various departments of the State Government for handling court cases and legal matters. With the Law Department now designated as the nodal department for implementation of the State Litigation Policy and coordination of government litigation, administration of the OSLS Cadre under it is expected to strengthen litigation management, improve inter-departmental coordination, and enhance the effectiveness of legal representation on behalf of the State.
The newly approved rules provide a comprehensive framework for cadre management, including provisions for recruitment, promotion, seniority and other service matters. The Law Department has been recognized as the Cadre Controlling Authority.
Officials said the decision will help strengthen institutional mechanisms for handling government litigation and contribute to more effective implementation of the State Litigation Policy.
