Which one of the following statements about the Attorney-General of India is NOT correct?
- A.He shall have the right to speak in the Houses of Parliament
- B.He shall have a right of audience in all Courts in the territory of India in the performance of his official duties
- C.He must have the same qualifications as are required to be a Judge of the Supreme Court
- D.He is a whole-time counsel for the Government
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Explanation
The correct answer is D, He is a whole-time counsel for the Government. The Attorney-General is not a full-time government servant and may keep a private practice. He is appointed by the President under Article 76 and holds office during the pleasure of the President, with no term fixed by the Constitution. He is the highest law officer of the country, yet he is not a member of the Union Cabinet. Because he is not a whole-time counsel, the only bar on him is that he must not advise or hold briefs against the Government of India. Option A is a correct statement because Article 88 lets him speak and take part in either House of Parliament, though he cannot vote. Option B is a correct statement because Article 76(3) gives him a right of audience in all courts in India. Option C is a correct statement because Article 76(1) requires the qualifications of a Supreme Court judge. Exam tip: Article 76 creates the office, Article 88 lets him speak in Parliament, and he never gets a vote there.