“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. (Answer in 150 words)

Article 76 establishes the Attorney General as the Union’s highest law officer and principal legal adviser.

Responsibilities and rights

• Advises the Union, defends legislation and represents it in courts.
• Has right of audience in all Indian courts and may speak in Parliament and committees under Article 88, without voting.

Limitations

• He is not a Cabinet member and cannot independently decide policy.
• He serves during the President’s pleasure, has no fixed tenure, and professional convention restricts conflicts of interest and briefs against the Union.

Keywords: polity, constitutional offices, Attorney General, legal governance