The Attorney-General of India
Position of Attorney-General of India
- The Attorney-General for India (AGI) is the Highest Law Officer of the Government of India.
- Acts as the Chief Legal Adviser to the Union Government.
- Advises the Government on legal and constitutional matters referred by the President.
- Performs such legal duties as assigned under the Constitution or any other law. (Article 76).
Appointment of Attorney-General of India
- Appointed by the President of India.
- Holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Qualifications of Attorney-General of India
To be appointed as the Attorney-General, a person must possess the same qualifications as a Judge of the Supreme Court, namely:
- Must be a Citizen of India.
- Must have served as:
- a Judge of a High Court for 5 years, or
- an Advocate of a High Court for 10 years, or
- be, in the opinion of the President, an Eminent Jurist.
Functions of Attorney-General of India
- Advises the Union Government on legal issues referred to him.
- Represents the Government of India before the Supreme Court and other Courts.
- Performs all duties assigned under the Constitution or by the President.
- Assists the Government in important constitutional and legal proceedings.
Parliamentary Rights of Attorney-General of India
- Not a Member of the Cabinet.
- Has the Right to Speak and participate in the proceedings of:
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- Joint Sittings
- Parliamentary Committees of which he is a member.
- Has no Right to Vote in Parliament. (Article 88).
Privileges of Attorney-General of India
- Enjoys the Privileges and Immunities available to a Member of Parliament while performing official duties. (Article 105(4)).
- Has the Right of Audience in all Courts within the territory of India.
Service Conditions of Attorney-General of India
- The Attorney-General is not a Whole-time Government Servant.
- May continue Private Legal Practice, subject to prescribed restrictions.
- Receives Remuneration as determined by the President of India.
