Attorney General of India

Definition

The highest law officer of the Union government and its chief legal adviser, who represents the Government of India before the Supreme Court.

Key points

• Constitutional office under Article 76; appointed by the President from among persons qualified to be a Supreme Court judge.
• Holds office during the pleasure of the President; the Constitution fixes no term and no fixed removal procedure.
• Gives advice to the Government on legal matters referred to him and performs duties of a legal character assigned by the President.
• Has the right to speak and take part in proceedings of both Houses of Parliament and their committees (and any joint sitting) but without a right to vote (Article 88).
• Is not a full-time government servant and is not barred from private legal practice, but cannot advise or hold a brief against the Government of India.

Why it matters for CAPF

Article 76, the "qualified to be a Supreme Court judge" condition, removal at the President's pleasure and the right to speak in Parliament are standard union-executive facts.

Common confusion

The Attorney General is appointed by the President but is not a Cabinet member; he can practise privately (unlike a full government servant); he is distinct from the Advocate General (the State's top law officer under Article 165) and from the Solicitor General (a subordinate, statutory office).

Parent note

union executive