Attorney General of India

Why in news ?

The central government has extended the term of K.K. Venugopal as Attorney General (AG) for one more year.

• This is the second time the Centre has extended his tenure. Venugopal received his first extension of term in 2020.
• Venugopal was appointed the 15^thAG of India in 2017. He succeeded Mukul Rohatgi who was AG from 2014-2017.
• He would be in command of the government’s legal defence in several sensitive cases pending in the Supreme Court, which includes the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the Citizenship Amendment Act.

About:

• The Attorney General (AG) of India is a part of the Union Executive. AG is the highest law officer in the country.
• Article 76 of the Constitution provides for the office of AG of India.

Appointment and Eligibility:

• AG is appointed by the President on the advice of the government.
• S/he must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, i.e. s/he must be a citizen of India and must have been a judge of some high court for five years or an advocate of some high court for ten years or an eminent jurist, in the opinion of the President.

Term of the Office: Not fixed by the Constitution.

Removal: Procedures and grounds for the removal of AG are not stated in the Constitution. S/he holds office during the pleasure of the President (may be removed by the President at any time).