attorney-general

The Attorney-General for India is appointed by the President under Article 76. He must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge, and holds office during the pleasure of the President. His duties are to advise the Government of India on legal matters referred to him and to perform other legal duties assigned by the President, including appearing for the Union in the Supreme Court.

He has a right of audience in all courts in India and may speak in and take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament and its committees, but cannot vote. He is not a member of the Cabinet. He is assisted by the Solicitor General and Additional Solicitors General. States have an Advocate-General under Article 165.

Example

Because the suit raised a substantial question on the interpretation of the Constitution concerning a Central Act, the court issued notice to the Attorney-General under Order XXVIIA CPC.

In Indian law

• Article 76, Constitution of India
• Article 88, Constitution of India (right to take part in Parliament)
• Article 165, Constitution of India (Advocate-General for the State)

See also

advocate · senior advocate · counsel

Read more in the study notes

• Audi alteram partem: the right to a fair hearing (Administrative Law)
• Transfer of criminal cases (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Damages, custom, state of mind, similar facts and course of business (sections 10 to 14) (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam)
• Memorandum of association and the doctrine of ultra vires (Company Law)
• The President of India (Constitutional Law II)
• The Speaker and parliamentary privileges (Constitutional Law II)