Attorney-General of India
Attorney-General of India
Recently, the Central Government has appointed Attorney General of India K.K. Venugopal’s tenure has been extended for one more year.
This is the second time that his term has been extended by the Government of India. Earlier in the year 2020, Venugopal’s first term was extended.
It may be noted that Venugopal was appointed as the 15th Attorney General of India in the year 2017. He replaced Mukul Rohatgi, who was the Attorney General from the year 2014-2017.
Key Points
The Attorney General of India is a part of the executive body of the Union. The Attorney General is called the highest law officer of the country. Article 76 of the Constitution provides for the office of the Attorney General of India.
Appointment and Eligibility:
The Attorney General is appointed by the President on the advice of the government. For this there must be a person who is qualified to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court, That is, he should have held the citizenship of India, he should have five years’ experience of serving as a Judge of a High Court or ten years’ experience of practice in a High Court or, in the opinion of the President, he should be a person capable of judicial matters. The duration of the tenure of Attorney General in the Constitution is not fixed by the Constitution.
Removal:
The procedure and grounds for the removal of Attorney General from office are not given in the Constitution. He holds office during the pleasure of the President and can be removed by the President at any time.
Duties and Roles:
- To advise the Government of India (GoI) on legal matters referred to him by the President. To perform such other duties as are legally assigned to him by the President.
- Appearing in the Supreme Court or any High Court on behalf of the Government of India in all matters relating to the Government of India.
- To represent the Government of India in any reference made by the President to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution i.e. ‘Power of the President to consult the Supreme Court’. To discharge the functions conferred on him by the Constitution or any other law.
- The Solicitor General of India and the Additional Solicitor General of India assist the Attorney General in carrying out official responsibilities. The Advocate General for the States deals with Article 165 of the Constitution.
Source: The Hindu
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