Attorney General Of India (AGI)

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    In News

    The tenure of Attorney General K.K. Venugopal is extended by the the government for a period of one more year with effect from July 1.

    About

    • This is the second time the Centre has extended his tenure. He received his first extension of term in 2020.
    • He was the the 15th Attorney General after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi and was appointed in July 2017.
    • He had recently represented the Union of India in a case which led to the cancellation of Class 12 exams due to the pandemic & several sensitive cases, includes the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act. 

    Attorney General Of India

    • S/he is the top legal officer in the country & part of Union Excecutive.
    • S/he is not considered as a government servant.
    • Assisted by 2 Solicitor Generals & 4 Additional Solicitor Generals.
    • Under the Constitution of India, Article 76 deals with for Attorney General of India & Article 165 for Advocate General of States.
    • Eligibility
      • Qualified to be appointed as Supreme Court judge.
      • Citizen of India.
      • Judge of High Court (HC) for 5 years/advocate HC for 10 years/eminent jurist President’s opinion.
    • Tenure: Not fixed.
    • Appointment: By President on Government advice.
    • Functions
      • Advise Government on legal matters.
      • Perform legal duties assigned by President.
      • Appear on behalf of Government in all cases in SC or HC.
      • Represent Government under Article 143 (Power of President to consult SC).
      • Discharge functions conferred by Constitution or law.
    • Rights
      • Right to Speak & take part in proceedings of both Houses of Parliament/joint sitting/any committee of Parliament of which he/she may be named a member.
      • Enjoys privileges & immunities of a member of Parliament.
      • Not a Government servant & not debarred from private legal practice.
    • Limitations
      • No Right to Vote in House proceedings/committees.
      • Should not advise against or hold a brief against Government.
      • Should not defend accused persons in criminal prosecutions without the permission of the Government of India.
      • Should not accept appointment as a director in any company or corporation without the permission of the Government of India.
    • Removal
      • Holds office during President’s pleasure & can be removed by President at any time.
      • No grounds for removal or procedure mentioned in Constitution. 

    Source: TH