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.
Key facts
- 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 about it
Setters ask the Article number, the qualification and the contrast with the state Advocate General.