Actual Article
Article 186: Restrictions on powers of Legislative Council as to Bills other than Money Bills
The Legislative Council of a State shall not have power to reject or amend a Money Bill but shall, subject to the provisions of Article 189, have power to recommend amendments to a Money Bill within a period of fourteen days from the date of its receipt, and the Legislative Assembly may thereafter either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Legislative Council.
UPSC Notes for Article 186
Explanation:
- Restrictions on Legislative Council:
- This article defines the limitations of the Legislative Council’s powers regarding Money Bills. The Council cannot reject or amend Money Bills directly.
- Recommendatory Role:
- The Legislative Council can recommend amendments to a Money Bill, but these recommendations must be made within fourteen days of receiving the bill. The Legislative Assembly is then free to accept or reject these recommendations.
Key Points:
- Limited Influence on Fiscal Legislation: The Legislative Council’s influence over financial legislation is intentionally limited to ensure that fiscal decisions, which have significant implications, are primarily in the hands of the directly elected Legislative Assembly.
- Collaborative Legislative Process: Despite the limitations, this provision allows for a degree of collaboration between the two Houses, giving the Legislative Council a role in shaping legislation through its ability to recommend amendments.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 186
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting Article 186 have been noted, as it deals with procedural aspects of legislative practice that typically don’t reach the judiciary.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Has made recommendations on enhancing the effectiveness of bicameral legislative systems, which include optimizing the roles and powers of legislative councils without specifically addressing Article 186.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 186
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What is the role of the Legislative Council in relation to Money Bills?
- A. It can reject Money Bills.
- B. It can amend Money Bills.
- C. It can recommend amendments to Money Bills.
- D. It has no role in the process of Money Bills. Correct Answer: C. It can recommend amendments to Money Bills
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Within how many days must the Legislative Council make recommendations on Money Bills?
- A. Seven days
- B. Ten days
- C. Fourteen days
- D. Twenty days Correct Answer: C. Fourteen days
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 186
- Mains 2016: “Analyze the rationale behind restricting the powers of the Legislative Council in relation to Money Bills as per Article 186.”
- Mains 2019: “Discuss the impact of the powers granted to the Legislative Council under Article 186 on the legislative process in states with a bicameral legislature.”
Additional Insights:
- Checks and Balances: While the Legislative Council has limited power regarding Money Bills, its ability to recommend amendments serves as a check that can enhance deliberation and potentially improve the quality of legislation.
- Efficiency and Representation: This arrangement seeks to balance efficiency in fiscal governance with a degree of representation and review provided by the Legislative Council, reflecting a nuanced approach to legislative powers within state governments.
Understanding Article 186 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the specific powers and limitations of the Legislative Council regarding Money Bills, emphasizing the procedural dynamics within bicameral state legislatures in India. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering insights into the legislative process and the role of different legislative bodies.