What is in News: The central government has extended the term of K.K. Venugopal as Attorney General (AG) for one more year.

Details :

• This is the second time the Centre has extended his tenure.
• Venugopal was appointed the 15th AG of India in 2017.
• He succeeded Mukul Rohatgi who was AG from 2014-2017.

About:

• AG is the highest law officer in the country is a part of the Union Executive.
• Article 76 of the Constitution provides for the office of AG of India.
• Appointment and Eligibility:
  • AG is appointed by the President on the advice of the government.
  • S/he must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, i.e. s/he must be a citizen of India and must have been a judge of some high court for five years or an advocate of some high court for ten years or an eminent jurist, in the opinion of the President.
• Term of the Office: Not fixed by the Constitution.
• Removal: Procedures and grounds for the removal of AG are not stated in the Constitution. S/he holds office during the pleasure of the President (may be removed by the President at any time).
• Duties and Functions:
  • To give advice to the Government of India (GoI) upon such legal matters, which are referred to her/him by the President.
  • To perform such other duties of a legal character that are assigned by the President.
  • To appear on behalf of the GoI in all cases in the Supreme Court or in any case in any High Court in which the GoI is concerned.
  • To represent the GoI in any reference made by the President to the Supreme Court under Article 143 (Power of the President to consult the Supreme Court) of the Constitution.
  • To discharge the functions conferred on her/him by the Constitution or any other law.
• Rights and Limitations:
  • Right to speak and to take part in the proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament or committee of the Parliament (without a right to vote)
  • Enjoys all the privileges and immunities that are available to a MP
  • Does not fall in the category of government servants and is not debarred from private legal practice. However should not advise or hold a brief against the GoI.

Solicitor General of India and Additional Solicitor General of India assist the AG in fulfillment of the official responsibilities.

Corresponding Office in the States: Advocate General (Article 165).