Money Bill comes under which article?
VerifiedAnswer: Article 110
Explanation:
Article 110 of the Indian Constitution deals with Money Bills, which are special types of financial legislation that can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. This article is crucial for understanding how financial matters are handled in our parliamentary system and establishes the supremacy of the lower house in money matters.
According to Article 110, a bill is considered a Money Bill if it contains provisions dealing with taxation, government expenditure, borrowing of money by the government, or the custody of public funds. The article specifically outlines seven categories that qualify a bill as a Money Bill, including the imposition of taxes, regulation of government borrowing, appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India, and matters related to the Contingency Fund.
One of the most important aspects of Article 110 is that it gives the Speaker of the Lok Sabha the final authority to decide whether a bill qualifies as a Money Bill or not. This decision cannot be questioned in any court of law, making the Speaker's judgment absolute in this matter. This provision ensures that there is a clear mechanism to identify Money Bills without any ambiguity or legal disputes.
The significance of Article 110 extends beyond just definition - it establishes a special legislative procedure for Money Bills. Unlike ordinary bills, Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and cannot be introduced or originated in the Rajya Sabha. When a Money Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha, but the upper house has limited powers over it. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject entirely.
This constitutional provision reflects the principle that the house directly elected by the people should have greater control over financial matters. Since members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by voters, they are considered more accountable to the public regarding how taxpayer money is collected and spent. This democratic principle ensures that financial decisions have the backing of those who are most directly answerable to the electorate.
Examples of Money Bills include the annual Budget (Appropriation Bill), Finance Act which implements tax changes, and bills dealing with government borrowing limits. These are essential pieces of legislation that keep the government functioning and ensure proper financial management of public resources. Understanding Article 110 helps students grasp how our Constitution balances power between the two houses while ensuring efficient handling of financial legislation.
