Indian Polity
Attorney General of India
Definition
The Attorney General of India is the highest law officer of the Government of India and serves as the chief legal advisor to the central government. This constitutional position is established under Article 76 of the Indian Constitution and represents the Union of India in all legal matters.
Overview
## Attorney General of India
The Attorney General of India represents the pinnacle of legal expertise in the Indian government system. As the chief legal advisor to the Government of India, this position carries immense responsibility in shaping the country's legal landscape and constitutional interpretation.
### Constitutional Framework
Established under Article 76, the AG serves as the primary legal counsel for the Union government. The appointment is made by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, ensuring political accountability while maintaining legal independence.
### Key Responsibilities
• Legal Advisory Role: Provides legal advice to the Government of India on constitutional and legal matters
• Supreme Court Representation: Represents the Union of India in the Supreme Court and High Courts
• Parliamentary Participation: Can speak and participate in both Houses of Parliament without voting rights
• Government Cases: Handles cases involving government interests and constitutional questions
### Powers and Limitations
The AG enjoys parliamentary privileges and immunity similar to MPs but cannot vote. They have the right of audience in all courts and can appear in any case involving government interests. However, private practice is restricted to avoid conflicts of interest.
### Significance
The office ensures legal consistency in government actions and provides constitutional guidance during critical decisions. Notable AGs like M.C. Setalvad, Nani Palkhivala, and Soli Sorabjee have significantly influenced Indian jurisprudence through their expertise and landmark case representations.
The Attorney General of India represents the pinnacle of legal expertise in the Indian government system. As the chief legal advisor to the Government of India, this position carries immense responsibility in shaping the country's legal landscape and constitutional interpretation.
### Constitutional Framework
Established under Article 76, the AG serves as the primary legal counsel for the Union government. The appointment is made by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, ensuring political accountability while maintaining legal independence.
### Key Responsibilities
• Legal Advisory Role: Provides legal advice to the Government of India on constitutional and legal matters
• Supreme Court Representation: Represents the Union of India in the Supreme Court and High Courts
• Parliamentary Participation: Can speak and participate in both Houses of Parliament without voting rights
• Government Cases: Handles cases involving government interests and constitutional questions
### Powers and Limitations
The AG enjoys parliamentary privileges and immunity similar to MPs but cannot vote. They have the right of audience in all courts and can appear in any case involving government interests. However, private practice is restricted to avoid conflicts of interest.
### Significance
The office ensures legal consistency in government actions and provides constitutional guidance during critical decisions. Notable AGs like M.C. Setalvad, Nani Palkhivala, and Soli Sorabjee have significantly influenced Indian jurisprudence through their expertise and landmark case representations.