UPSC Mains 2025 · GS II · Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words

“The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.

हिन्दी में

“भारत का महान्यायवादी (एटर्नी जनरल) केन्द्र सरकार के कानूनी ढाँचे का मार्गदर्शन करने और कानूनी परामर्श के माध्यम से ठोस शासन सुनिश्चित करने में महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है।” इस संबंध में उसकी जिम्मेदारियों, अधिकारों और सीमाओं का विवेचन कीजिए।

ExecutiveConstitutional Bodies

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India. Discuss.”

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.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper II, Q5. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.