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10. Attorney General of India

The Constitution (Article 76) has provided for the office of Attorney General, as the highest law officer in the country. The Attorney General is appointed by the President of India. He must be the person who is qualified to be a judge of Supreme Court. In other words, he must be a citizen of India and he 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.

The term of office of Attorney General is not fixed by the constitution. He holds office during the pleasure of the President. This means that he may be removed by the President at any time. Conventionally, he resigns when the government resigns or is replaced, as he is appointed on its advice. The Attorney General does not fall in the category of government servants. Further, he is not debarred from private legal practice.

 

10.1. Duties and Functions