Delegated Legislation Overview
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Questions and Answers

What does the maxim 'delegatus non potest delegare' imply about delegated legislation?

It implies that a delegated power should not be re-delegated, meaning the authority delegated by the legislature cannot pass that authority to another.

Define delegated legislation and provide examples of its forms.

Delegated legislation refers to laws made by an authority subordinate to the legislature, including rules, regulations, bye-laws, and orders.

What circumstances have led to the growth of delegated legislation?

The growth of delegated legislation has been driven by factors such as pressure on the legislature, lack of expertise, and complexity of modern administration.

How is the constitutional validity of delegated legislation established in India?

<p>The constitutional validity is established through implied authority under Article 13(3)(a) and is supported by judicial precedents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parent Act play in the context of delegated legislation?

<p>The parent Act provides the legislative framework within which subordinate authorities can create delegated legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Delhi Laws Act, 1912 in the context of delegated legislation.

<p>The Delhi Laws Act, 1912 illustrates the delegation of power allowing the executive to extend laws from other provinces to Delhi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Salmond, how does subordinate legislation differ from supreme legislation?

<p>Subordinate legislation flows from authorities other than the sovereign power, making it dependent on the superior authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 13(3)(a) entail regarding delegated legislation?

<p>Article 13(3)(a) confers implied authority to the legislature to delegate law-making powers to the executive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is sub-delegation in the context of delegated legislation, and why might it be considered ultra vires?

<p>Sub-delegation refers to the further delegation of powers by a delegate. It is considered ultra vires if the parent Act does not expressly or impliedly permit it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Supreme Court rule in the Barium Chemicals Ltd v. Company Law Board case regarding sub-delegation?

<p>The Supreme Court ruled that the sub-delegation of powers by the Company Law Board was ultra vires because it lacked explicit authorization in the parent statute.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind the exclusion of judicial review in delegated legislation?

<p>Delegated legislation cannot exclude judicial review unless explicitly permitted by the parent statute, as judicial review is a constitutional safeguard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is retrospective effect in delegated legislation restricted, and what case illustrates this limitation?

<p>Retrospective effect in delegated legislation is restricted unless authorized by the parent Act, as it may impose new obligations or affect existing rights. This was illustrated in the case Hukam Chand v. Union of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional principle does the case L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India emphasize regarding judicial review?

<p>The case emphasizes that the power of judicial review is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution and cannot be excluded through delegated legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of suspending the provisions of a statute under Section 48(1) of the Tea Act, 1953?

<p>It allows the Central Government to temporarily suspend laws under certain circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the delegation of authority to apply existing laws benefit unforeseen circumstances?

<p>It extends existing legal frameworks to new situations without necessitating new legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does limited modification in laws entail?

<p>It allows minor changes to existing laws without a full legislative process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how prescribing punishments empowers regulatory bodies.

<p>It allows them to enforce compliance through penalties tailored to specific offenses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can essential legislative functions not be delegated?

<p>They are fundamental responsibilities of the legislature that reflect the democratic will of the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the power to repeal laws?

<p>It requires thorough debate and consideration by elected representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is absolute modification of laws not allowed?

<p>It would enable a subordinate body to alter the core intent of legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does retrospective operation involve and why is it restricted?

<p>It applies new laws to past events and is restricted to prevent legal uncertainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss why the authority to levy taxes cannot be delegated.

<p>Taxation affects citizens' financial burdens and must be decided by the legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ousting the jurisdiction of courts mean, and why is it not delegated?

<p>It restricts courts from deciding specific matters, which can affect individuals' access to justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does defining offenses and prescribing penalties relate to the legislative function?

<p>It involves determining what constitutes a crime and the corresponding punishment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the executive in applying existing laws according to the Delhi Laws Act, 1912?

<p>The executive can adopt and apply existing statutes in new areas without major modifications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the legislature responsible for enacting significant changes in tax laws?

<p>It represents the collective interests of citizens and ensures thorough evaluation of tax policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What checks does parliamentary approval provide in matters of taxation?

<p>It prevents arbitrary changes to tax laws by requiring debate and consensus among representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how administrative flexibility is achieved through limited modifications.

<p>It empowers the government to adapt laws to meet current needs without full legislative procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary constitutional issue raised by the Delhi Laws Act, 1912?

<p>The primary constitutional issue was whether the Indian legislature could delegate its legislative powers to the executive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctrine of excessive delegation entail?

<p>The doctrine of excessive delegation tests the constitutional validity of delegated legislation, stating that essential legislative functions cannot be delegated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are ancillary functions that may be delegated according to the Supreme Court?

<p>Only ancillary functions that do not constitute essential legislative powers can be delegated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two advantages of delegated legislation.

<p>Two advantages include time-saving for the legislature and allowing for expertise and specialization in drafting regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant risk associated with delegated legislation?

<p>One significant risk is the potential for misuse or overreach by the executive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does judicial review apply to delegated legislation?

<p>Judicial review allows courts to strike down delegated legislation that exceeds the scope of authority, contravenes constitutional provisions, or is arbitrary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the government play in the commencement of an Act?

<p>The government can appoint a specific day for the Act to come into force, as outlined in statutes with an ‘appointed day’ clause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of how legislature can supply details in skeleton legislation.

<p>An example is when a broad law on environmental protection is enacted, leaving specific standards to be defined by an environmental authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the inclusion of provisions in delegated legislation?

<p>Inclusion refers to empowering the Government to extend the provisions of an Act to additional territories or classes of persons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide one example of exclusion in delegated legislation.

<p>Section 36 of the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 empowers the Government to exempt certain establishments from the Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court state about the delegation of essential legislative functions?

<p>The Supreme Court stated that the legislature cannot delegate its essential functions, such as determining legislative policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the Indian judiciary approached challenges to delegated legislation?

<p>The judiciary reviews delegated legislation and can strike it down if it is arbitrary, unreasonable, or exceeds granted authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name a disadvantage related to the lack of accountability in delegated legislation.

<p>The lack of accountability can lead to reduced transparency and debate in the law-making process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of flexibility in delegated legislation?

<p>Flexibility allows local authorities to adapt regulations to meet the specific needs and issues of their communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one function that may be delegated related to regulatory frameworks.

<p>The legislature can create a regulatory framework for environmental protection, while specific permissible emission levels are decided by an environmental authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for non-delegation of legislative powers to administrative agencies?

<p>Defining crimes and penalties is a core legislative function that affects fundamental rights and liberties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ultra vires' mean in the context of delegated legislation?

<p>'Ultra vires' means beyond power or authority, indicating actions taken without valid power by a person or body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a delegated legislation be considered as substantive ultra vires?

<p>A delegated legislation can be substantive ultra vires if it exceeds the scope of power granted by the parent Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the case Deep Chand v. State of U.P. illustrate regarding the unconstitutionality of a parent Act?

<p>It illustrates that if a parent Act is unconstitutional, any delegated legislation made under it is also invalid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the delegation of essential legislative functions not permissible according to the Rajnarain Singh case?

<p>Essential legislative functions, such as defining legislative policy, cannot be delegated to subordinate authorities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Indian Express Newspapers case signify about delegated legislation and the parent Act?

<p>It signifies that delegated legislation must conform to the provisions of the parent Act to be valid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a delegated legislation be invalidated if it conflicts with general law?

<p>It can be invalidated if it contradicts constitutional provisions or other established statutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the D.S. Nakara v. Union of India case regarding delegated legislation?

<p>The Supreme Court invalidated the government notification for violating Article 14, which dealt with the right to equality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'unreasonableness' refer to in the context of delegated legislation?

<p>Unreasonableness refers to delegated legislation that is manifestly arbitrary or disproportionate to its objectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'mala fide' in the context of delegated legislation, and how can it affect its validity?

<p>Mala fide means bad faith; delegated legislation made with improper purposes can be invalidated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main tests courts use to decide the validity of delegated legislation?

<p>The two main tests are substantive ultra vires and procedural ultra vires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for courts to apply the doctrine of ultra vires to delegated legislation?

<p>It is important to ensure that no agency exceeds its granted powers, preserving the integrity of legislative authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does retrospective effect in delegated legislation lead to its invalidation?

<p>Retrospective effect may render delegated legislation invalid if it alters rights or obligations unexpectedly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what instances may a delegated legislation be deemed inconsistent with fundamental rights?

<p>If it violates constitutional provisions, such as the right to equality or freedom to practice professions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Delegated Legislation

  • Based on the principle "delegatus non potest delegare" (a delegated power should not be re-delegated).
  • Legislature delegates law-making power to executive or judiciary.
  • Laws created by these are called delegated legislation or subordinate legislation.
  • Parliament (in India) is the primary legislative authority.
  • Examples include the Payment of Bonus Act, where the Central Govt. has exemption powers.

Reasons for Growth of Delegated Legislation

  • Pressure on legislature
  • Lack of expertise or technical knowledge
  • Lack of flexibility
  • Lack of scope for experiments
  • Emergency situations
  • Secrecy considerations
  • Complexity of modern administration

Constitutional Validity of Delegated Legislation

  • No explicit provision for delegating law-making to the executive in the Constitution.
  • Implied authority exists in Article 13(3)(a).
  • Constitutionality determined via judicial precedents from Privy Council (pre-1949), Federal Court (post-1949), and Supreme Court.
  • Delegated legislation generally accepted in both pre- and post-constitution periods.
  • Re. Delhi Laws Act, 1912 (1951):
    • Examined delegation of power to executive to extend laws from other provinces to Delhi.
    • Court held that Parliament cannot entirely abdicate its power.
    • Only ancillary functions can be delegated.
    • Essential legislative functions cannot be delegated.
  • Doctrine of Excessive Delegation: Legislature cannot delegate essential functions (like policy-making) to the executive; only implementation of policy is permissible.

Advantages of Delegated Legislation

  • Time-saving for legislature: Focus on important issues
  • Expertise and specialization: Experts can create technical regulations
  • Flexibility: Easier to update or modify regulations
  • Local relevance: Local authorities can address local needs
  • Reduces workload on legislature
  • Quick action in emergencies

Disadvantages of Delegated Legislation

  • Risk of abuse by the executive
  • Lack of accountability and transparency
  • Judicial backlog from challenges
  • Reduction in democracy: Less say for elected representatives.
  • Confusing laws and overregulation

Functions That May Be Delegated

  • Commencement of an Act: Setting a date for an Act to come into force.
  • Supplying Details: Filling in details in skeleton legislation.
  • Inclusion or Exclusion: Extending or exempting parts of an Act to certain areas/people/items.
  • Suspension: Temporarily stopping or relaxing parts of an Act.
  • Application of existing laws: To new situations or groups.
  • Limited modification: Allowing minor adjustments to existing laws.
  • Prescribing Punishments: Setting penalties within limits set by the parent Act.

Functions That May Not Be Delegated

  • Essential legislative functions: Policy-making and law-creation
  • Repeal of a law: Complete removal or nullification of a law.
  • Absolute modification: Fundamental changes of the law's purpose.
  • Retrospective operation: Applying a new law to past events.
  • Imposition of tax: Determining taxation rates and scopes
  • Ouster of jurisdiction of courts: Removing the courts' power to review actions.
  • Defining criminal offenses and penalties: Establishing crimes and their punishments.

Judicial Control Over Delegated Legislation

  • Judicial review using the "doctrine of ultra vires" (beyond power).
  • Courts determine validity based on "substantive ultra vires" and "procedural ultra vires" tests.

Substantive Ultra Vires

  • Delegated legislation outside the scope of the delegating legislation is "ultra vires".

  • Invalidation grounds:

    • Unconstitutionality of parent Act
    • Delegation of essential legislative functions
    • Inconsistency with parent Act or general law
    • Unconstitutionality of the delegated legislation
    • Unreasonableness; mala fide (bad faith), sub-delegation
    • Exclusion of judicial review, or retrospective effect.
  • Examples:

    • Parent Act being unconstitutional
    • Delegating essential functions

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of delegated legislation, focusing on its principles, growth factors, and constitutional validity. Understand how legislative powers are transferred to the executive and judiciary, and examine examples like the Payment of Bonus Act. Enhance your knowledge of the frameworks governing subordinate legislation.

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