Administrative Law pertains to the legal framework governing the actions of
government administrative agencies. These actions encompass activities such as
rule-making, adjudication, and the enforcement of specific regulatory agendas.
Positioned within the realm of public law, Administrative Law's development has
left certain key concepts unresolved.
One such unresolved aspect is whether its primary aim is safeguarding legal
rights and interests or curbing government power. Administrative Law, as a
subset of public law, focuses on the procedures, rules, and regulations guiding
various governmental entities. For instance, the oversight and functioning of
the Social Security Administration, including the administration of benefits to
the populace, exemplify the application of Administrative Law.
Research Objective:
This Research Paper Talks About The Topic Legislative Functions Of
Administration. This Research Paper Also Deals With What Is Administrative Law.
Research Problem
The Research Problem Of This Research Paper Talks About Legislative
Functions Of Administration.
Research Question
- What Is Administrative Law?
- What Are Legislative Functions Of Administration?
Research Hypothesis
- What Is Administrative Law And What Are Legislative Functions Of
Administration. What Is Its Role In Indian Administrative Functions? What
Are The Changes Required?
Scope Of The Study
- What Is Administrative Law And What Are Legislative Functions Of
Administration. What Is Its Role In Indian Administrative Functions?
Research Methodology
Descriptive And Analytical Methodology Has Been Followed By The Researcher
Throughout The Research Paper. Secondary Sources Like Books, Articles And
Websites Have Been Referred By The Researcher For The Accomplishment Of The
Research Paper.
Legislative Functions Of Administration
- Meaning And Concept Of Delegated Legislation
Delegated Legislation, also known as secondary legislation, subordinate
legislation, or subsidiary legislation, refers to the creation of laws by an
executive authority using powers granted by primary legislation. This primary
legislation empowers the executive branch to implement and administer the
requirements outlined in the primary legislation. Although the legislation is
formulated by entities other than the legislature, it operates under the
authority of the legislature. Typically, legislatures pass statutes that
establish broad principles, and they delegate authority to an executive official
to issue delegated legislation, which elaborates on the specifics (substantive
regulations) and establishes procedures for implementing the substantive
provisions of the statute and regulations (procedural regulations). Delegated
legislation can be modified more swiftly than primary legislation, allowing
legislatures to delegate issues that may require refinement based on experience.
Legislation created by the executive branch, a statutory authority, or a local
or other body under the jurisdiction of the competent legislature is termed
delegated legislation. This framework enables bodies beneath Parliament to enact
their own legislation. Delegated legislation is generated by entities other than
Parliament, with Parliament authorizing individuals or bodies through an Act of
Parliament to create legislation. While an Act of Parliament establishes the
framework of a specific law and typically provides an overview of its purpose,
authorizing legislation to be delegated allows for more detailed provisions.
Delegated legislation, governed by the purposes outlined in the Act, empowers
the government to modify a law without waiting for a new Act of Parliament.
Additionally, it facilitates technical adjustments to the law, such as altering
sanctions under a given statute.
For instance, local authorities are granted power under certain statutes to
create delegated legislation tailored to their region. Delegated legislation
plays a crucial role in lawmaking, with more delegated legislation enacted
annually than Acts of Parliament. It holds the same legal standing as the
originating Act of Parliament. Delegated legislation is important for several
reasons. Firstly, it avoids overwhelming the limited parliamentary timetable,
allowing for amendments or new legislation without passing an Act through
Parliament, a time-consuming process. Secondly, it enables individuals with
relevant expertise to contribute to lawmaking, ensuring that laws are tailored
to specific local needs. Thirdly, it allows for the swift resolution of
emergency situations without waiting for parliamentary approval. Finally,
delegated legislation covers unforeseen situations not anticipated during the
enactment of the primary legislation, making it flexible and adaptable to
changing societal needs.
A portion of the legislative power is delegated to subordinate authorities, who
create rules and regulations integral to the statute itself. Parliament has the
authority to confer administrative and legislative powers on subordinate
authorities when legislating within its jurisdiction. Subordinate legislation,
as defined by Sir John Salmond, emanates from an authority other than the
sovereign power and depends on a superior or supreme authority for its validity.
Most enactments specify powers for making rules, regulations, by-laws, or other
statutory instruments exercised by designated subordinate authorities. This
legislation must align with the delegated powers, earning it the designation of
delegated legislation. Consequently, any lawmaking outside the legislature
expressed as rules, regulations, by-laws, orders, schemes, directions, or
notifications is categorized as delegated legislation.
- Constitutionality Delegated Legislation
The Legislature possesses the authority to delegate to other entities for the
formulation of rules to implement the laws it enacts. In the case of D. S.
Gerewal v. The State of Punjab, as observed by K.N. Wanchoo, Article 312 does
not negate the customary power of delegation inherent in the Legislature. The
phrase "Parliament may by law provide" in Article 312 should not be interpreted
to imply a lack of room for delegation in laws created under Article 312.
In England, where Parliament holds supreme authority, it can delegate powers
without restrictions. Conversely, in the United States, akin to India, Congress
does not possess unchecked and boundless delegation powers. The U.S. Supreme
Court, in Panama Refining Co. v. Rayans, affirmed the principles of the
separation of powers and "delegatus non potest delegare" in the USA.
In England, where Parliament's supremacy is unencumbered by constitutional
limitations, it holds extensive legislative powers over the executive. The
unrestricted legislative authority of Parliament allows for the delegation of
legislative powers to executive officers or other subordinate bodies. The close
integration of legislative and executive powers, stemming from the development
of the Cabinet system of government in England, has facilitated the practice of
delegating legislative powers in the country.
Position In India
In the case of Queen v. Burah, the Privy Council validated only conditional
legislation, asserting that delegated legislation is not permissible based on
its reasoning. It vested the administration of civil and criminal justice in the
specified territory in officers appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. Similarly,
in King v. Benoari Lal Sharma, the Privy Council applied conditional
legislation, challenging the validity of an emergency ordinance by the
Governor-General of India. The ordinance proposed setting up special criminal
courts for specific offenses, leaving the actual establishment to the Provincial
Governments. The Judicial Committee clarified that this was not delegated
legislation but a legislative power allowing local application based on the
judgment of a local administrative body.
The Privy Council emphasized that the Indian Legislature cannot mirror the
British Parliament in the delegation of legislative powers. The extent of
delegation in India must align with the express provisions of the Indian
Constitution. Unlimited delegation is not inherent in legislative power, and its
legitimacy depends on serving as an ancillary measure necessary for effective
legislative power. The essential legislative functions, such as declaring policy
and setting standards, must remain with the legislature, while delegated
legislation handles subordinate tasks.
In the Sikkim v. Surendra Sharma case, it was established that "All laws in
force" in Article 371F includes subordinate legislation. Delegated legislation
faces criticism for several defects, including allowing non-elected individuals
to make and amend laws, lacking democratic oversight, and undergoing less
parliamentary scrutiny than primary legislation. This lack of control can result
in inconsistencies and unforeseen uses of power. Moreover, the lack of publicity
surrounding delegated legislation raises concerns, as the public is not
adequately informed about statutory instruments, unlike Acts of Parliament,
which receive wide publicity.
The growth of delegated legislation can be attributed to factors such as the
volume of administrative law, the need for detailed improvisation, the technical
complexity of modern government, the necessity for flexibility, addressing
emergency situations, and the requirement for government action discretion.
Administrative rule-making becomes essential for adjusting laws between sessions
and ensuring direct participation from those governed.
Control Mechanism
Legislative Control On Delegated Legislation While In The Context Of Increasing
Complexity Of Law-Making, Subordinate Legislation Has Become An Important
Constituent Element Of Legislation, It Is Equally Important To See How This
Process Of Legislation By The Executive Under Delegated Powers, Can Be
Reconciled With .The Democratic Principles Or Parliamentary Control. Legislation
Is An Inherent And Inalienable Right Of Parliament And It Has To Be Seen That
This Power Is Not Usurped Nor Transgressed Under The Guise Of What Is Called
Subordinate Legislation.
It Can Control The Following:
- Normal Delegation
- Positive:
Where The Limits Of Delegation Are Clearly Defined In The Enabling Act
- Negative:
Does Not Include Power To Do Certain Thing (These Not Allowed)
-
Exceptional Delegation:
- Power To Legislate On Matters Of Principle (Policy)
- Power Is Amend Act Of Parliament (In Re Delhi Laws Acts)
- Judicial
Judicial Control Can:
- Doctrine Of Ultra Vires And
- Use Of Prerogative Writs.
- Procedural
Procedural control over delegated legislation, particularly through prior
consultation with parties likely to be affected, is viewed from the citizen's
perspective as a crucial safeguard against potential misuse. To address this
concern, it is essential to establish a clear procedure for delegates when
formulating rules and regulations. Unlike in England and America, where
legislatures often refrain from specifying elaborate procedures for delegates,
some acts do outline the necessity of consulting interested bodies or advisory
committees before formulating and applying rules.
This practice has mainly evolved administratively, independent of statutory
obligations, with the aim of involving affected parties and preventing potential
hardships. Consultation serves a dual purpose, allowing affected interests to
present their case and providing the administration with firsthand knowledge of
the field where delegated legislation is being considered. Another method
involves the antecedent publicity of statutory rules, informing those likely to
be affected to make representations for the rule-making authority's
consideration.
While the Rules of Publication Act in 1893 initially supported this method, the
Statutory Instruments Act of 1946 omitted it. Despite this omission, the
Committee on Ministers Powers in 1932 emphasized the advantages of such a
practice. Adequate publicity of delegated legislation is deemed necessary to
ensure that affected individuals can ascertain the law with reasonable
certainty. This approach aims to prevent surprises and associated hardships
resulting from a lack of awareness. In all countries, legislative enactments
recognize the importance of providing sufficient publicity for delegated
legislation.
- Judicial
Judicial Control Over Delegated Legislature Is Exercised At The Following
Two Levels:
- Delegation May Be Challenged As Unconstitutional; Or
- hat The Statutory Power Has Been Improperly Exercised. The Delegation
Can Be Challenged In The Courts Of Law As Being Unconstitutional, Excessive
Or Arbitrary. The Scope Of Permissible Delegation Is Fairly Wide. Within The
Wide Limits, Delegation Is Sustained It Does Not Otherwise; Infringe The
Provisions Of The Constitution. The Limitations Imposed By The Application
Of The Rule Of Ultra Vires Are Quite Clear.
If The Act Of The Legislature Under Which Power Is
Delegated, Is Ultra Vires, The Power Of The Legislature In The Delegation Can
Never Be Good. No Delegated Legislation Can Be Inconsistent With The Provisions
Of The Fundamental Rights.
If The Act Violates Any Fundamental Rights The Rules,
Regulations And Bye-Laws Framed There Under Cannot Be Better. Where The Act Is
Good, Still The Rules And Regulations May Contravene Any Fundamental Right And
Have To Be Struck Down. Besides The Constitutional Attack, The Delegated
Legislation May Also Be Challenged As Being Ultra Vires The Powers Of The
Administrative Body Framing The Rules And Regulations.
The Validity Of The Rules May Be Assailed As The Stage In Two Ways:
- That They Run Counter To The Provisions Of The Act; And
- That They Have Been Made In Excess Of The Authority Delegated By The
Legislature.
The Method Under These Sub-Heads For The Application Of The Rule Of Ultra Vires
Is Described As The Method Of Substantive Ultra Vires. Here The Substance Of
Rules And Regulations Is Gone Into And Not The Procedural Requirements Of The
Rule Marking That May Be Prescribed In The Statute. The Latter Is Looked Into
Under The Procedural Ultra Vires Rule. When The Court Applies The Method Of
Substantive Ultra Vires Rule, It Examines The Contents Of The Rules And
Regulations Without Probing Into The Policy And Wisdom Of The Subject Matter.
It
Merely Sees If The Rules And Regulations In Their Pith And Substance Are Within
The Import Of The Language And Policy Of The Statute. The Rules Obviously Cannot
Go Against The Intent Of Statute And Cannot Be Inconsistent With The Provisions
Of The Act. They Are Framed For Giving Effect To The Provisions Of This Act And
Not For Nullifying Their Effect And They Should Not Be In Excess Of The
Authority Delegated To The Rulemaking Body.
Delegated Legislation Should Not Be Characterised With An Excessive Exercise Of Discretion By The Authority. The
Rules Cannot Be Attacked To The General Plea Of Unreasonableness Like The
Bye-Laws Framed By A Local Body. Reasonableness Of The Rules Can Be Examined
Only When It Is Necessary To Do So For Purpose Of Articles 14 And 19 Of The
Constitution.
Sub-Delegation
The Expression 'Subordinate Legislation' Means The Act Of Making Statutory
Instruments By A Body Subordinate To The Legislature And In Exercise Of The
Power, Within Specific Limits, Conferred By The Legislature. The Term Also
Connotes And Covers The Statutory Instruments Themselves. Legislation Is Either
Supreme Or Subordinate.
The Former Is That Which Proceeds From The Supreme Or
Sovereign Power In The State, And Which Is Therefore Incapable Of Being
Repealed, Annulled Or Controlled By Any Other Legislative Authority. Subordinate
Legislation Is That Which Proceeds From Any Authority Other Than The Sovereign
Power, And Is, Therefore, Dependent For Its Continued Existence And Validity On
Some Superior Or Supreme Authority.
The Idea Is To Supplement Acts Of Supreme
Legislative Body By Prescribing Detailed Rules Required For Their Operation.
Principle Underlying Sub-Delegation The Basic Principle In This Respect Is That
The Sub-Delegate Should Not Be Given Unanalyzed And Unguided Legislative Power.
Like Delegation, Sub-Delegation Is Also Subject To The Doctrine Of Excessive
Delegation.
Where A Statute Itself Authorizes An Administrative Authority To
Sub-Delegate Its Powers, No Difficulty Arises As To Its Validity Since Such
Sub-delegation Is Within The Terms Of The Statute Itself. Sub-Delegation Of
Legislative Powers When A Statute Confers Some Legislative
Powers On An Executive Authority And The Further Delegates Those Powers To
Another Subordinate Authority Of Agency, It Is Called 'Sub-delegation.' Thus, A
Chain Of Delegation Gets Created In Which The Origin Of The Power Flows Through
The Parent Act. Sub-Delegation Is The Further Delegation Of Power By A Delegate
To Another Person Or Agency.
The Basic Principle In This Process Is Summarised By The Maxim 'Delegatus Non
Potest Delegare, Such Sub-Delegation Can't Be Made Without The Duly
Authorisation By The Parent Statute Under Which The Delegation Has Been Taken
Place.
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