The Solicitor General of India is the second-highest law officer in the country, after the Attorney General of India. The Solicitor General is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Union Cabinet, and like the Attorney General, holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Role and Functions:
The primary role of the Solicitor General of India is to assist the Attorney General of India in providing legal advice to the Government of India. The Solicitor General is also responsible for representing the Government of India in cases before the Supreme Court of India and other high courts.
In addition to providing legal advice and representing the government in court, the Solicitor General of India is also responsible for the following:
- Providing legal opinions: The Solicitor General provides legal opinions on questions of law and issues related to the interpretation of the Constitution and other laws.
- Assisting in drafting legislation: The Solicitor General assists the government in drafting and vetting legislation, ensuring that it is legally sound and in compliance with the Constitution and other laws.
- Representing the government in court: The Solicitor General represents the government in cases before the Supreme Court and other high courts, and also appears on behalf of the government in matters relating to public interest litigation.
- Assisting the Attorney General: The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General in any legal matter, and also acts as the Attorney General in the Attorney General’s absence.
Qualifications:
To be eligible for appointment as the Solicitor General of India, a person must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have been an advocate of a high court for at least 10 years, or a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President of India.
Conclusion:
The Solicitor General of India plays a crucial role in the functioning of the legal system and the Government of India. With the responsibility of providing legal advice, drafting and vetting legislation, and representing the government in court, the Solicitor General ensures that the government is functioning within the framework of the Constitution and other laws. The position is a critical one in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and interests of the citizens of India.