Senior Legal Associate and Legal Associate at Ministry of Mines, New Delhi (2 Posts, up to Rs 1,75,000/month)

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is responsible for the survey and exploration of all minerals (other than petroleum, natural gas and atomic minerals), for the mining and metallurgy of non-ferrous metals, and for the administration of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Vide Circular No. A-12024/4/2020-ESTT dated 9 June 2026, the Ministry has invited applications for the engagement of Legal Associates on a purely contractual basis.

• Senior Legal Associate - 1 post, consolidated remuneration of Rs 1,75,000 per month
• Legal Associate - 1 post, consolidated remuneration of Rs 1,50,000 per month

The engagement is on contract basis, initially for a period of one year, extendable on a yearly basis for up to a maximum tenure of 3 years, subject to appraisal of performance and on need basis. Legal Associates are eligible for a 5% increment in remuneration on extension of tenure, subject to certification and recommendation of the concerned Controlling Authority at the level of Joint Secretary.

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Law from a recognised University and/or Institute in India duly recognised by the Bar Council of India.
• Qualified to be registered as an advocate with the Bar Council of India in terms of the Advocates Act, 1961.
• Experience in a Court of Law, or expertise in legal matters with sufficient experience of working in a government department having handled court matters.
• Experience in dealing with matters related to mining is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills; knowledge of computer applications such as MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
• Age limit: not more than 45 years as on the closing date of the advertisement.

• Senior Legal Associate: above 15 years' experience of working with Government Departments/PSUs and/or High Courts / Supreme Court of India.
• Legal Associate: above 10 years' experience of working with Government Departments/PSUs and/or High Courts / Supreme Court of India.

• Tender legal support on issues coming before the Ministry; prepare para-wise comments on OAs, writ petitions, SLPs and PILs filed against the Ministry and forward them to the concerned Standing Counsel after approval of the Competent Authority for drafting counter affidavits.
• Scrutinise counter affidavits received from Counsel with reference to the para-wise comments.
• Maintain the list of pending court cases in the Ministry and monitor pending court cases.
• Assist and be present in court at the time of hearing.
• Assist the Ministry in policy decisions/matters as and when required, and perform other work of a legal nature entrusted from time to time.

The engagement is purely contractual and confers no right or claim to regularisation. Legal Associates are entitled to 8 days of leave in a calendar year (non-carry-forward, no encashment) and to Compensatory Leave if called in on Saturdays, Sundays or gazetted holidays. No allowances such as Dearness Allowance, HRA, transport facility, CGHS, medical reimbursement, pension or gratuity are admissible; income tax is deducted at source. Travel outside Delhi (NCR) in the context of the assignment is reimbursed as per Central Government rules applicable to Group B Non-Gazetted officers. The contract can be terminated with a 30-day notice period or one month's salary in lieu thereof. Appointees are subject to the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and confidentiality obligations, and cannot appear before a court of law in matters pertaining to the Ministry of Mines within 3 years of leaving the engagement.

Applications will be shortlisted on the basis of experience and qualification. Selection from shortlisted candidates will be made by the Competent Authority on the basis of a personal interview by a selection committee, whose decision shall be final and binding. Only shortlisted candidates will be intimated and called for interview. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. The place of work is New Delhi.

Applications in the prescribed format (Annexure-II of the circular), along with copies of educational qualification and experience certificates, should reach the Under Secretary (Establishment), Ministry of Mines, Room No. 4419, GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi, and should also be emailed to rakesh.thapliyal83@nic.in and saurabh.kumar10@gov.in on or before 10 July 2026. Applications received incomplete or after the due date will not be considered. There is no application fee.