Advocate General of a State

Definition

The highest law officer of a State government and its chief legal adviser, the State-level counterpart of the Attorney General of India.

Key points

• Constitutional office under Article 165; appointed by the Governor from among persons qualified to be a High Court judge.
• Advises the State Government on legal matters and performs legal duties assigned by the Governor.
• Holds office during the pleasure of the Governor; the Constitution fixes no term and no formal removal procedure.
• Has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the State Legislature and its committees, but without a right to vote.
• His remuneration is determined by the Governor; like the Attorney General, he is not a full-time government servant.

Why it matters for CAPF

Article 165, the "qualified to be a High Court judge" condition and the parallel with the Attorney General (Art 76) are standard State-executive facts, often tested as a matching pair.

Common confusion

The Advocate General (Art 165, State, qualified like a High Court judge) is the State counterpart of the Attorney General (Art 76, Union, qualified like a Supreme Court judge); he is appointed by the Governor, not the Chief Minister.

Parent note

state government