List of Attorney General of India, Appointment and Functions

The position of the Attorney General and its responsibilities are briefly described in Article 76 from Part V of the Indian Constitution. The Attorney General is the highest law officer in the country and serves as the main legal advisor to the Indian government. He provides legal advice on various matters and represents the Union Government in the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Read about: Constitution Day of India

First Attorney General of India

The First Attorney General of India, M.C. Setalvad, held the position for the longest time 13 years while Soli Sorabjee held the position for the shortest time. Nevertheless, he was twice appointed to the position.

• MC Setalvad, son of famous advocate Sir Chimanlal Setalvad, quickly made a name for himself as a skilled lawyer known for his strong voice and commitment to ethical standards, treating everyone equally in court.
• As India’s first and longest-serving Attorney General, he played a important role in important legal cases, including the Indo-Pak border demarcation and Kashmir issues, showcasing his legal expertise and strong principles.
• He chaired India’s first Law Commission, advising the government on crucial reforms and helping to shape its future work.

Present Attorney General of India

The current Attorney General of India is R. Venkataramani, who took office on September 23, 2022. He succeeded K.K. Venugopal. R. Venkataramani is a seasoned lawyer with over 42 years of experience in the Supreme Court of India. He was appointed for a three-year term and has expertise in various fields of law, including constitutional law, human rights law, and civil and criminal law.

Background of R. Venkataramani

• Education and Early Career: He registered with the Tamil Nadu Bar Council in 1977 and began his legal career under Senior Supreme Court Advocate P.P. Rao in 1979. He established his practice in the Supreme Court in 1982 and became a Senior Advocate in 1997.
• International Work: In 2001, he was invited to present at a workshop in Geneva organized by the International Commission of Jurists and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, focusing on the Optional Protocol to the International Covenants on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
• Government Roles: Venkataramani has been involved in various legal committees and participated in the operations of the International Court of Justice related to the ICESCR in the Afro-Asian region.

List of Attorney General of India 2024

Here’s the complete List of Attorney General of India:

Provisions for Attorney General

Appointment of Attorney General

The attorney general is chosen by the President of India. He must be an Indian citizen and have completed 10 years of high court advocacy or 5 years as a judge in any Indian state. He may also be regarded as a prominent jurist by the President. The duration of the Attorney General’s appointment is not specified in the Constitution. The Constitution is also silent regarding the removal procedure and the justifications for removal. As a result, they are subject to the president’s whim and are thus subject to removal at any time. He or she can also step down by giving the President a letter of resignation. There are no constitutional limitations on the Attorney General’s remuneration, and it is determined at the President’s discretion.

Attorney General of India Salary

Limitations of Attorney General

Despite the powers associated with the position, the Attorney General operates under certain limitations:

1. Not a Member of the Cabinet: The Attorney General is not part of the Central Cabinet and cannot vote in Parliament.
2. Conflict of Interest: Must avoid situations that may create conflicts of interest and refrain from advising ministries or departments directly unless through the Ministry of Law and Justice.
3. No Full-Time Employment: The Attorney General is not a full-time advisor to the government and can practice privately.
4. Representation Restrictions: Cannot represent clients in criminal cases without government permission.

Attorney General of India UPSC

• The Union Executive includes the Indian Attorney General (AG). He is the top law enforcement official in the nation. In the Indian Territory, he is eligible to appear in any court.
• When he participates in the proceedings of the Indian Parliament, he has the following rights:
• He has the right to speak; He has the right to participate in the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament and their joint session; and He has the right to participate in any committee of the Parliament of which he may be named a member.
• He is not regarded as a government employee, and he is not prohibited from practicing law privately.
• The Attorney General has the right to speak and participate in proceedings of Houses of Parliament or their joint sitting, as well as any committee of the Parliament of which s/he may be named a member, but without the right to vote.

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