Who is a service lawyer/service advocate?

In common parlance, 'service lawyer' or 'service advocate' is a person who practices in the field of law relating to service under Government, Public Sector Undertaking, Universities etc. Service law is a part of Administrative law. One can approach a service lawyer or advocate for clarifying legal doubts or filing cases etc. inconnection with the issue of appointments, promotion, retirement, disciplinary proceedings, pension etc..

In India, mainly, High Courts and Administrative Tribunals deal with service law-related issues. There are State Administrative Tribunals for dealing with State Government service related issues and Central Administrative Tribunals for dealing with Central Government service related issued. Armed Forces Tribunal deals with issues in connection with commission, appointments, enrolments and conditions of service of persons coming under the purview of Army Act, 1950, The Navy Act, 1957 and the Air Force Act, 1950. A person who is aggrieved by the decision of a State/Central Administrative Tribunal can approach the respective High Court. High Court also enjoys original jurisdiction in connection with certain service matters. Decisions of Supreme Court of India on service matters will be binding on the High Courts as well as the Administrative Tribunals.