Actual Article
Article 119: Regulation by law of procedure in Parliament in relation to financial business
Parliament may, for the purpose of the timely completion of financial business, regulate by law the procedure of, and the conduct of business in, each House of Parliament in relation to any financial matter or to any Bill for the appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
UPSC Notes for Article 119
Explanation:
- Regulation of Financial Business:
- Article 119 empowers Parliament to create laws that regulate the procedure and conduct of business in each House concerning financial matters and Bills related to appropriations from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- This includes ensuring the timely completion of financial business.
Key Points:
- Timely Financial Business: Ensures that financial matters, including the budget and appropriation Bills, are handled efficiently and within a specified timeframe.
- Legislative Control: Provides Parliament with the authority to establish procedures by law for managing financial business, ensuring legislative control and oversight.
- Flexibility: Allows Parliament to adapt procedures as needed to ensure the effective handling of financial matters.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 119
Cases:
- Raja Ram Pal vs. Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007): Discussed the procedural aspects and privileges of Parliament, highlighting the importance of established procedures in legislative business.
- Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India (2016): Emphasized the significance of transparency and timely handling of financial matters in Parliament.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Examined the importance of clear procedures for financial management within Parliament, emphasizing the need for timely completion of financial business.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Suggested reforms to enhance the efficiency of financial procedures in Parliament.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 119
- (UPSC Prelims 2017) The purpose of Article 119 is to:
- A. Regulate the procedure of financial business in Parliament
- B. Provide guidelines for the President’s emergency powers
- C. Establish the salaries and allowances of members of Parliament
- D. Define the powers and privileges of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha Correct Answer: A. Regulate the procedure of financial business in Parliament
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) Under Article 119, Parliament can regulate:
- A. Financial matters and appropriation Bills
- B. Judicial proceedings
- C. Election procedures
- D. Military operations Correct Answer: A. Financial matters and appropriation Bills
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 119
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 119 in ensuring the timely completion of financial business in Parliament. How does this article contribute to the effective management of financial matters?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of Parliament in regulating the procedure for financial business under Article 119. How does this regulation ensure transparency and accountability in handling financial matters?”
Additional Insights:
- Efficiency in Financial Management: Article 119 ensures that financial matters are handled promptly, preventing delays that could affect government operations and financial stability.
- Legislative Oversight: By allowing Parliament to regulate financial procedures, the article ensures that there is legislative oversight over financial matters, promoting accountability and transparency.
- Adapting to Needs: The ability to regulate procedures by law allows Parliament to adapt to changing circumstances and needs, ensuring that financial business is managed effectively.
Understanding Article 119 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the mechanisms for regulating financial business in Parliament, ensuring timely and efficient handling of financial matters. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions that govern financial management within India’s parliamentary system.