The Attorney General for India
The Union government's top lawyer, who argues its cases and can speak in Parliament but not vote.
What the paper can ask
- Appointed by the President on the Cabinet's advice; must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge; holds office at the President's pleasure.
- Can take part in Parliament's proceedings without voting (Article 88) and has audience in all courts.
- First AG: M. C. Setalvad (1950); R. Venkataramani has been the 16th AG since 1 October 2022. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- It is customary for the AG to resign when a new government takes office.
Why exams ask
Setters ask the Article number, the qualification and the contrast with the state Advocate General.
The full story
The Attorney General for India is the highest law officer of the Union government and its chief legal adviser. The President appoints a person qualified to be a Supreme Court judge. The AG has the right to appear in any court in India and, under Article 88, to take part in proceedings of either House of Parliament and its committees, but without a vote.
Test yourself
1.The Attorney General for India is provided for under which Article?
Correct. Article 76 provides for the Attorney General, who must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge. M. C. Setalvad was the first.
Not quite. Article 76 provides for the Attorney General, who must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge. M. C. Setalvad was the first. It goes into your error book.