Attorney-General and government law officers

Counsel to the government yet an officer of the court. That dual loyalty defines the office Article 76 creates. Appointed by the President from among those qualified to be a Supreme Court judge, the Attorney-General holds office during the President's pleasure and must advise the Union and appear for it, including in Presidential references under Article 143. Article 88 grants the right to speak in either House and its committees without a vote. Article 165 creates the parallel Advocate-General for each State. The Solicitor-General and Additional Solicitors-General are not constitutional posts. Under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, the AG's consent is required before a private party may move a criminal contempt motion.