1. Solicitor General of India (SGI)
Constitutional & Legal Position
Appointed by the Central Government under the Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987
Second-highest law officer of India, after the Attorney General
Represents the Union of India in important legal matters
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Core Duties & Functions of the Solicitor General
1. Representation of Union Government
Appears on behalf of the Central Government in:
Supreme Court of India
High Courts
Special Tribunals (constitutional or statutory)
Handles complex, sensitive, and high-stakes constitutional cases
2. Constitutional & Policy Matters
Argues cases involving:
Interpretation of the Constitution
Federal disputes (Centre vs States)
National security
Election laws
Economic and financial legislation
Defends Acts of Parliament when constitutionality is challenged
3. Legal Advice to Government
Provides expert legal opinions to:
Ministries
Departments
Constitutional authorities
Advises on:
Legislative drafting implications
International treaties
Policy decisions with legal consequences
4. Assistance to Attorney General
Acts under the guidance of the Attorney General of India
Takes charge when the Attorney General is unavailable
Supports coordination of government litigation strategy
5. Oversight of Government Litigation
Guides legal positions taken by the Union
Ensures consistency in legal arguments across courts
Helps prevent contradictory stands by different ministries
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2. Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI)
Legal Position
Appointed by the Central Government
Works under the Solicitor General
Several ASGIs are appointed region-wise or subject-wise
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Core Duties & Functions of the ASGI
1. Representation in Courts
Represents the Union Government in:
Supreme Court
High Courts
Central Administrative Tribunal
Other statutory tribunals
Handles day-to-day government litigation
2. Specialized Case Handling
Assigned cases relating to:
Taxation (Income Tax, GST, Customs)
Service matters
Environmental law
Corporate & regulatory disputes
Criminal appeals involving central agencies (CBI, ED, NIA)
3. Assistance to SGI & AGI
Works under the direction of:
Solicitor General
Attorney General
Prepares briefs, legal strategy, and arguments
Steps in for SGI when delegated
4. Legal Opinions
Provides legal advice to ministries and public sector undertakings
Interprets statutes, rules, notifications, and executive orders
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Key Differences (At a Glance)
Aspect Solicitor General (SGI) Additional Solicitor General (ASGI)
Rank Second highest law officer Below SGI
Nature of work Strategic, constitutional, high-profile Operational, subject-specific
Court appearances Landmark & sensitive cases Routine & specialized cases
Authority Supervisory & advisory Assisting & representative
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Important Limitations (Both SGI & ASGI)
They cannot advise or represent against the Government of India
They do not hold constitutional office (unlike Attorney General)
Their tenure depends on government pleasure
They are not full-time government servants
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Essence in One Line
Solicitor General safeguards the constitutional and legal conscience of the Union.
Additional Solicitor General ensures the effective execution of government litigation and legal defense.
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