Actual Article
Article 284: Custody of suitors’ deposits and other moneys received by public servants and courts
All moneys received by or deposited with—
- (a) any officer employed in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State in his capacity as such, other than revenues or public moneys raised or received by the Government of India or the Government of the State, as the case may be, or
- (b) any court within the territory of India to the credit of any cause, matter, account, or persons,
shall be paid into the public account of India or the public account of the State, as the case may be.
UPSC Notes for Article 284
Explanation:
- Deposits with Officers and Courts: Article 284 stipulates that all moneys received or deposited with any officer employed by the Union or a State in his official capacity, other than government revenues or public moneys, as well as any moneys deposited with any court within India, must be paid into the public account of India or the State.
- Public Account: This ensures that such moneys are properly accounted for and managed through the respective public accounts, promoting transparency and accountability.
Key Points:
- Financial Accountability: The article ensures that all moneys handled by public servants or courts are properly managed and accounted for in the public accounts.
- Scope: This includes moneys received in any official capacity, whether related to court cases, administrative actions, or other official matters.
- Transparency: By mandating that these moneys be paid into the public account, Article 284 promotes financial transparency and reduces the risk of mismanagement or misuse of funds.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 284
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases directly interpreting Article 284, as it primarily deals with procedural aspects of financial management involving public servants and courts.
Commissions:
- Finance Commission: Reviews and makes recommendations on financial management practices, ensuring compliance with the principles of transparency and accountability outlined in Article 284.
- Public Accounts Committee: Examines the accounts and ensures that all moneys received by public servants and courts are managed according to the regulations stipulated in Article 284.
Important Reports Related to Article 284:
- CAG Reports: The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) audits and reports on the management of these funds, ensuring adherence to Article 284’s provisions.
- Public Accounts Committee Reports: Analyze the handling of moneys by public servants and courts, providing oversight and recommendations for improvement.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 284
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Where should moneys received by public servants in their official capacity, other than government revenues, be deposited according to Article 284?
- A. In private bank accounts
- B. Into the public account of India or the State
- C. In the Consolidated Fund of India
- D. In the Reserve Bank of India Correct Answer: B. Into the public account of India or the State
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) What is the main purpose of Article 284 in the context of financial management?
- A. To allow public servants to retain received moneys
- B. To ensure moneys are managed through public accounts for transparency
- C. To exempt court deposits from public scrutiny
- D. To enable direct government revenue collection Correct Answer: B. To ensure moneys are managed through public accounts for transparency
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 284
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 284 in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of moneys received by public servants and courts. How does this article contribute to financial discipline?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of Article 284 on the financial management practices of public servants and judicial bodies. What are the benefits and challenges associated with the proper handling of suitors’ deposits and other moneys?”
Additional Insights:
- Financial Discipline: Article 284 reinforces financial discipline by ensuring that all moneys received by public servants and courts are properly managed and accounted for, reducing the risk of misappropriation.
- Unified Financial Management: By requiring these moneys to be deposited into the public account, the article promotes a unified approach to financial management, enhancing overall governance and accountability.
Understanding Article 284 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the procedural mechanisms for managing moneys received by public servants and courts, emphasizing the importance of financial discipline and transparency. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the financial provisions and their impact on governance within the Indian Constitution.