The Attorney General of India (AG) is the highest law officer of the country. The AG is the chief legal adviser to the government. The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General. This topic appears in the constitutional bodies section of exams.
Attorney General (Article 76)
The Attorney General is provided for under Article 76. The AG is appointed by the President. To be appointed, the person must be qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court. The AG holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Functions of the Attorney General
- Gives legal advice to the Government of India.
- Appears in cases on behalf of the government in the Supreme Court.
- Has the right to speak in both Houses of Parliament but cannot vote.
- Has the right of audience in all courts of India.
- Performs duties of a legal nature assigned by the President.
Advertisement
Solicitor General of India
The Solicitor General is the second-highest law officer. The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General. Unlike the AG, the office of the Solicitor General is not mentioned in the Constitution. The Solicitor General is supported by Additional Solicitors General.
Important Differences
- The AG is a constitutional post; the Solicitor General is a statutory post.
- The AG advises the government; the Solicitor General helps the AG.
- The AG is not a full-time government servant and can take private cases with limits.
Quick Revision Points
- The Attorney General is provided under Article 76.
- Appointed by the President.
- Must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge.
- Can speak in Parliament but cannot vote.
- The Solicitor General is not mentioned in the Constitution.
- The AG is the highest law officer of India.
- M.C. Setalvad was the first Attorney General of India.