Constitutional text

(1) The President shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court to be Attorney-General for India. (2) It shall be the duty of the Attorney-General to give advice to the Government of India upon such legal matters, and to perform such other legal duties, as may from time to time be referred or assigned to him by the President, and to discharge the functions conferred on him by or under this Constitution or any other law for the time being in force. (3) In the performance of his duties the Attorney-General shall have right of audience in all courts in India.

Source: Constitution of India, as published by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

History and context

The office was inherited from colonial practice (the Crown's law officer). The AG is the government's advocate in all constitutional cases before the Supreme Court. Unlike cabinet ministers, the AG is not a member of Parliament but can participate in parliamentary proceedings without voting rights. The AG advises on the constitutionality of legislation, represents the Union in major cases, and provides opinions on legal questions of national importance.

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Last reviewed: 3 July 2026