Article 284 of Indian Constitution: Custody of deposits and funds by public servants and courts.

Article 284 of Indian Constitution deals with the custody of deposits made by suitors and other monies of whatsoever nature that might be received by the public servants or by courts. Such funds must be paid into the public account of India or that of the State, thereby seeking to ensure financial accountability. Its purview extends to officers managing the affairs of the Union or State as well as courts all over India. This safeguard ensures that public money cannot be misappropriated by way of dubious accounting. Transparency, discipline, and public trust are all conserved through the machinery of government financial management, making Article 284 a very important article, which keeps the services of public administration above any doubt. Explore other important Constitutional Articles.

Article 284 of Indian Constitution

Custody of suitors' deposits and other moneys received by public servants and courts

All moneys received by or deposited with–

1. 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
2. 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.

Note: "The information on Article 284 of Indian Constitution is referred from the official website of the Indian Code and is for reference only. Original laws and orders remain untouched.

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Article 284 requires that non-revenue funds received by a public servant or court be deposited into the public accounts. This is mainly to instill transparency and accountability into the transaction and to avoid misuse of the funds. Here is a pointwise simplified interpretation of Article 284 of the Indian Constitution:

• Custody of Funds: It applies to suitors' deposits and also other money received by public servants and courts in India.
• Depositing Funds: Such money must be credited to the public account of India or that of the State, as the case may be.
• Purpose: This shall ensure that the public funds are safeguarded and are duly accounted for, and also to ensure that they are not misused.
• Transparency: It shall maintain financial accountability through transparency and faith in government and judiciary systems.
• Significance: It thus plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and discipline in public financial management.

Article 284 of Indian Constitution Significance

Article 284 thus ensures financial accountability and transparency. Therefore, its importance lies in the following:

1. Custody of Funds: All kinds of non-revenue funds received by any public servant or any Court should be paid into the public account of India or into the public account of the State.
2. Safeguarding Public Funds: It safeguards the funds from misuse or mismanagement by specifying good custodial procedures.
3. Transparency: It ensures financial integrity and thus draws the confidence of the administrative and judiciary systems.
4. Accountability: It requires that funds are accounted for at all times and, therefore, holds responsible any managers who would fail in this endeavor.
5. Public Trust: Standing for fiscal discipline and integrity and towards ensuring that the government and judiciary maintain confidence.

Article 284 of Indian Constitution Landmark Cases

Even though there are no landmark judgments that are commonly accepted interpreting Article 284 of the Indian Constitution in itself, its principles are often quoted in financial responsibility and fund management legal matters. Article 284 can be invoked by courts in dealing with issues of custody and proper accounting of funds received by judicial officers or public servants. For example, cases of mismanagement of suitors' deposits or other funds can be founded on this provision to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

Conclusion

Article 284 of Indian Constitution is an important protection to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of non-revenue funds by the public servants and the courts. By requiring such funds to be credited to the public funds of India or to the individual States, it excludes the risk of abuse and ensures proper financial management. This article reflects the pledge of the Constitution towards the maintenance of the confidence of the people and ensuring integrity of administration. Article 284 anticipates financial prudence and safe administration of funds in the administrative and judicial institutions of India.