The correct answer is Option 3: the Governor.

Constitutional Provision and Key Facts

[Image illustrating Governor appointing Advocate-General under Article 165]

Article 165: Under Article 165 of the Constitution of India, the Advocate-General is the highest law officer of a State.

Appointment & Tenure: The Advocate-General is appointed by the Governor of the respective State and holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.

No Fixed Tenure: The Constitution does not provide a fixed tenure or a specific procedure/ground for the removal of the Advocate-General. He/she can be removed by the Governor at any time.

Remuneration: The remuneration of the Advocate-General is also determined by the Governor.

(Note: Conventionally, since the Advocate-General is appointed on the advice of the State Council of Ministers, they usually resign when the Chief Minister's government resigns or changes).

Why the other options are incorrect:

Option 1: the Attorney-General – The Attorney-General is the highest law officer for the Central Government (not the state) and holds office during the pleasure of the President of India (Article 76).

Option 2 & Option 4: the Prime Minister & the Chief Minister – While the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet advise the Governor on who to appoint, the legal and constitutional authority rests solely with the Governor. Therefore, the official legal office is held under the Governor's pleasure.