Previous Year Question
Who among the following holds his/her office during pleasure of the President?
Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Chief Election Commissioner
Speaker of Lok Sabha
Attorney General of India
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Under Article 76(1) of the Indian Constitution, the President appoints a person as the Attorney-General who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court. The Attorney-General is the principal constitutional law officer of the Government of India.
Article 76(4) expressly provides that the Attorney-General holds office during the pleasure of the President. The Constitution does not prescribe a fixed tenure for the office. His remuneration is also determined by the President.
The distinction from the other options is important. The CAG is appointed by the President but can be removed only through the constitutionally prescribed procedure similar to that applicable to a Judge of the Supreme Court; the CAG does not hold office during the President's pleasure. Similarly, the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed except on the same grounds and in the same manner as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha also does not hold office during the President's pleasure. The Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.
The key association for this question is therefore Article 76(4) → Attorney-General → Pleasure of the President.