New Delhi: The Central government has extended the tenure of Attorney General (AG) for India, R Venkataramani, for an additional two years. His current three-year term was set to conclude on September 30.
A notification issued by the department of legal affairs stated, “The President is pleased to re-appoint Shri R Venkataramani, senior advocate, as attorney general for India for a further period of two years with effect from October 1, 2025.”
Venkataramani expressed his happiness regarding the extension, stating, “I am extremely happy for this extension. To be of service to the nation, how can one say no to any such opportunity.” He brings over four decades of experience practicing in the Supreme Court and previously served as a member of the Law Commission of India in 2010 and 2013.
Known for his temperate arguments, Venkataramani has represented the nation in a wide array of cases, including constitutional matters and tax disputes. Notably, he recently defended the 14 questions presented by President Droupadi Murmu to the Supreme Court concerning deadlines for governors and the President to approve state bills.
Venkataramani, who regards Professor N.R. Madhava Menon as his mentor, began his legal career in 1977 and joined the chambers of senior advocate P.P. Rao in 1979. He established his independent practice in the Supreme Court in 1982 and was designated a senior advocate in 1997.
His past roles include serving as a co-opted member of an expert group formed by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2007 to structure and define the functions of an ‘Equal Opportunity Commission’.
In a notable case, Venkataramani argued against the right to wear the hijab in educational institutions, both in the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. He contended that religious symbols can create a barrier between teachers and students, and that an environment free from the assertion of religious identities is more conducive to education.
Additionally, Venkataramani has been actively involved in the execution of the Amrapali housing project since his appointment as court receiver on July 23, 2019.
In his capacity representing India in international forums, he addressed the UN Human Rights Committee in 2024 and participated in the G20 Prosecutors General Conference in October 2024.
An avid reader and academic, Venkataramani also has a literary side, having published a book of his poems titled ‘Roses Without Thorn’ last year. He has authored several books on constitutional law and torts, and collaborated with the Supreme Court of India on publications related to court practice and procedure, as well as public interest litigation.