UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies
Question 5: Polity and Governance
Consider the following statements about the Attorney General of India: I. He is appointed by the President of India. II. He must have the same qualifications as are required for a Judge of the Supreme Court. III. He must be a member of either House of Parliament. IV. He can be removed by impeachment by Parliament. Which of these statements are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Under Article 76 the President appoints the Attorney General, who must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge. He need not be an MP: he has the right to speak in and take part in the proceedings of both Houses and their committees, without a vote. He holds office during the President's pleasure, so there is no impeachment. Remember: appointed by the President, judge-level qualification, outside Parliament, removable at pleasure.
- I. The President appoints the Attorney General (Article 76).
- II. He must be qualified to be appointed a Supreme Court judge.
- III. He need not be a member of either House; he only has a right to speak in them.
- IV. He holds office during the President's pleasure; there is no impeachment.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: statements I and II are correct.
- (b) Wrong: III is false because the Attorney General need not belong to either House.
- (c) Wrong: III and IV are false; there is no membership requirement and no impeachment.
- (d) Wrong: both III and IV are false, and it leaves out I and II, which are true.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.