UPSC Mains 2019 · GS II · Q14 · 15 marks · 250 words

“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.

हिन्दी में

“महान्यायवादी भारत की सरकार का मुख्य विधि सलाहकार और वकील होता है ।” चर्चा कीजिए ।

How a topper answered it

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 135 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Article 76 provides for President to appoint attorney general of India under his hands and seal.

Body · points

Diagram
* Office of Attorney General * Tenure → pleasure of President * Qualification → same as Judge of SC * Salary → no salary but a retainer = SC Judge Salary

Chief legal adviser of Government

  1. Advises government on any legal matter referred by President eg on Waqf Bill
  2. Closely consults with law ministry to ensure smooth passage of law.
  3. Can attend meeting of Parliament to give legal advice in house
  4. Can attend meeting of parliamentary committee to provide legal advice to committee

Lawyer to government

  1. Represents government of India in all the cases involving GOI
  2. Has audience to any court of India for representation
  3. Can not undertake private practice against the government.

Other function

  • Contempt proceeding require his nod.
  • Serves as Amicus Curiae (friend of court)

Close · a summary

Thus, due to importance of office the Constitutional makers gave it a Constitutional status

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper II, Q14. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.