Indian Polity : Attorney General Of India

Q 2 / 3

UPSC CSE Prelims 2013

Consider the following statements:
  1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
  2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
  3. speak in the Lok Sabha
  4. vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The question pertains to the rights and functions of the Attorney General of India in relation to the Lok Sabha.

Statement-wise Analysis

  • Statement 1: take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
    Correct. Article 76(3) of the Constitution states that the Attorney General shall have the right of audience in all courts in the territory of India. Article 88 further specifies that the Attorney General shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, either House, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this Article be entitled to vote. Therefore, the Attorney General can take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
  • Statement 2: be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
    Correct. As per Article 88, the Attorney General can be named a member of any committee of Parliament. This includes committees of the Lok Sabha.
  • Statement 3: speak in the Lok Sabha
    Correct. Article 88 explicitly grants the Attorney General the right to speak in either House of Parliament, including the Lok Sabha.
  • Statement 4: vote in the Lok Sabha
    Incorrect. Article 88 clearly states that the Attorney General shall not, by virtue of that Article, be entitled to vote in either House of Parliament or in any joint sitting or committee thereof.

Key Takeaway

The Attorney General of India has the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings and committees, including speaking, but does not possess the right to vote.

SOURCEIndian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 18: Attorney General of India