Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the qualifications for the Attorney General?
(i) An eminent jurist, in the opinion of the President, is eligible to be appointed as the Attorney General.
(ii) A person who has been an advocate of a High Court for 10 years meets one of the eligibility criteria for the office.
(iii) A person must have been a High Court judge for 10 years or a High Court advocate for 5 years to be qualified.

• A. Only (i) and (ii)
• B. Only (i) and (iii)
• C. Only (ii) and (iii)
• D. All of the above (i, ii and iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i) and (ii)

Qualifications for the Attorney General of India:

• The Constitution of India lays down the qualifications for the Attorney General (AG) under Article 76(1).

• Clause (i) states that a person shall be qualified for appointment as the Attorney General if he is a citizen of India.

• Additionally, such a person must be an eminent jurist, in the opinion of the President. This is a subjective qualification and does not require specific years of experience in a particular role, but rather a recognized standing in the legal field.

• Clause (ii) specifies that a person who has for at least ten years served as a judge of a High Court is eligible.

• Clause (iii) states that a person who has been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or two or more such courts in succession is also eligible.

• Therefore, having been an advocate of a High Court for 10 years meets one of the eligibility criteria.

• The qualification mentioned in statement (iii) about being a High Court judge for 10 years or an advocate for 5 years is partially correct regarding the judge criteria but incorrect regarding the advocate experience needed (it is 10 years, not 5).

• The Attorney General is the highest law officer in the country and advises the Government of India on legal matters.

• The appointment is made by the President of India.

• The Attorney General holds office during the pleasure of the President.