With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scruitinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?
Contents7
- ACommittee on Government Assurances
- BCommittee on Subordinate Legislation
- CRules Committee
- DBusiness Advisory Committee
Show answer
Answer: (B) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
Correct Answer: (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation checks whether the executive (government) is properly using the law-making powers that Parliament has delegated to it.
What does 'subordinate legislation' mean?
Sometimes Parliament passes a law but gives the government power to make detailed rules, regulations, or bye-laws under that law.
The Committee ensures these rules don't exceed the powers granted by Parliament.
It exists in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Why the other options are wrong:
- Committee on Government Assurances — Checks whether promises made by ministers on the floor of the House are actually fulfilled.
- Rules Committee — Deals with the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the House.
- Business Advisory Committee — Decides the timetable/schedule for business in the House (which Bills to discuss and for how long).
REMEMBER: Subordinate Legislation Committee = watchdog for delegated legislation (rules/regulations made by government).
Ensures government doesn't exceed the powers Parliament gave it.
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation acts as Parliament's watchdog to ensure the executive does not exceed the rule-making powers delegated to it by law.
This separation of legislative oversight from executive rule-making is a core principle of parliamentary democracy - Parliament delegates but retains the right to scrutinize.
Committee on Subordinate Legislation
Indian Polity Committee on Subordinate Legislation subordinate legislation
Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Parliamentary Watchdog
Scrutinizes rules and regulations made by executive under parliamentary laws
Ensures government doesn't exceed delegated powers from Parliament
Reports to House on proper exercise of rule-making powers
Exists in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
What is Subordinate Legislation
Subordinate legislation means rules, regulations, and bye-laws made by the executive under powers delegated by Parliament. When Parliament passes an Act, it often gives the government authority to make detailed rules for implementation. The Committee ensures these rules stay within the scope Parliament intended.
Key Functions
Examines whether delegated powers are properly exercised by ministries and departments
Checks if rules made by executive exceed the scope of delegation granted by Parliament
Reports to House on cases where government has overstepped its authority
Reviews regulations to ensure they align with parent legislation's intent
Scrutinizes sub-rules, by-laws, and notifications issued under various Acts
Question Connection
This question tested the specific role of parliamentary committees in oversight. The key was recognizing that delegated legislation oversight is the unique function of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, while other committees have entirely different mandates.
Don't confuse with Committee on Government Assurances - that tracks ministerial promises, not rule-making
Rules Committee deals with House procedures, not government rules under Acts
Business Advisory Committee sets parliamentary schedule, has no oversight role
Key phrase: 'powers delegated by Parliament' - this directly points to subordinate legislation
Other Parliamentary Committees
Indian Polity Committee on Government Assurances Rules Committee Business Advisory Committee
Key Parliamentary Committees: Functions & Distinctions
Government Assurances Committee tracks ministerial promises made in House
Rules Committee manages House procedures and conduct of business
Business Advisory Committee decides parliamentary timetable and agenda
Committee Comparison
Committee | Primary Function | What it Scrutinizes | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
Subordinate Legislation | Oversight of delegated powers | Rules/regulations made by executive | Whether government exceeds delegated authority |
Government Assurances | Tracking ministerial commitments | Promises made by ministers in House | Whether assurances are fulfilled |
Rules Committee | House procedure management | Rules of business and conduct | Parliamentary proceedings efficiency |
Business Advisory Committee | Parliamentary scheduling | Allocation of time for business | House agenda and timetable |
Distinctive Features
Government Assurances Committee - Only tracks what ministers promise on House floor, not their rule-making
Rules Committee - Internal House management, not external government oversight
Business Advisory Committee - Procedural coordination between government and opposition
Each committee has non-overlapping mandates - no functional confusion between them
Don't assume Rules Committee handles all 'rules' - it's only House procedural rules
Government Assurances is about promises made, not powers exercised
Business Advisory sounds important but it's just scheduling, not oversight
UPSC loves testing these functional distinctions - memorize each committee's specific role