The Advocate General (AG) is the chief legal advisor to the state government.
Article 165 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment and qualifications of the Advocate General.
The AG has the right to participate in the proceedings of the State Legislature, which includes the Legislative Assembly and, if it exists, the Legislative Council.
This right allows the AG to speak on any matter before the legislature that concerns their legal expertise or the government's legal standing.
However, crucially, the Advocate General does not possess voting rights in the legislature.
This means they can contribute to debates and offer legal opinions but cannot cast a vote on any bill or resolution.
The AG is appointed by the Governor of the state.
To be qualified for the post, a person must be a citizen of India, have held a judicial office for at least ten years, or have been an advocate for at least ten years in any High Court or in two or more such courts.
The Advocate General has the right to appear in any proceedings in the High Court relating to the state.
They also have the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the State Legislature of which he is, or for which he is appointed a member, but shall not, by virtue of this article, be entitled to vote.
