🧾 Article 284 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Custody of suitors' deposits and other moneys received by public servants and courts
🔍 Explanation:
Article 284 deals with how public servants and courts must handle money received during official duties, especially deposits from litigants (suitors) or other public transactions.
📘 Key Provisions of Article 284:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| (1) | All money received by: |
-
Officers of the Union or State,
-
Courts,
in connection with the affairs of the Union or State,
must be deposited in the public account of the Union or State. |
| (2) | The custody, receipt, and payment of these funds must follow rules made by competent authority, i.e., the Union or State Government, as per law.
📊 Summary Chart: Article 284
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 284 |
| Applies to | Public servants, courts (Union and State level) |
| Purpose | Ensures proper custody and handling of government-related received money |
| Where money goes? | Into the Public Account of India or the State |
| Examples | - Court deposits by suitors - Security deposits in government tenders |
| Rules made by | Competent Union or State authority (as per law or executive order) |
| Ensures | Transparency, financial integrity, and recorded accountability |
🧠 Why Article 284 is Important:
-
Prevents misuse or misappropriation of public money received during official work.
-
Ensures that money is tracked, recorded, and governed by official rules.
-
Maintains discipline in financial transactions of courts and public offices.
Here is a comprehensive comparison chart of Articles 280 to 284 of the Indian Constitution, which together provide a detailed picture of India’s fiscal structure, revenue sharing, grants, fund custody, and financial discipline.
📊 Combined Chart: Articles 280 to 284 – Financial Management in India
| Article | Title | Purpose / Focus | Applies to | Key Authority Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 | Finance Commission | Provides for the creation of a Finance Commission to recommend tax sharing and grants | Centre & States | President of India, Finance Commission |
| 281 | Recommendations of Finance Commission | Mandates the President to lay the Commission’s report before Parliament with a memo | Parliament | President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha |
| 282 | Discretionary Grants | Allows Union or States to make grants for any public purpose, even outside their jurisdiction | Union & State Governments | Union and State Executives |
| 283 | Custody and Payment Rules for Government Funds | Provides for rules regarding custody & payment from Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund & Public Account | Union & States | Parliament & State Legislatures |
| 284 | Custody of Money Received by Courts and Public Servants | Ensures public money received by courts or officers is deposited in the Public Account | Courts, Public Officers (Union & State) | Competent Authority (Union/State Government) |
🔁 Flow of Financial Governance (Articles 280–284)
Article 280
↓
Finance Commission is formed → Recommends tax distribution and grants
↓
Article 281
↓
President submits FC report to Parliament with action memo
↓
Article 282
↓
Union/States can give extra (discretionary) grants beyond legal domain
↓
Article 283
↓
Parliament/State Legislature makes rules for handling & using official funds
↓
Article 284
↓
Public servants & courts deposit all received funds into Public Account under official rules
🧠 Key Takeaways:
-
Articles 280–281 → Deal with revenue recommendations and transparency.
-
Article 282 → Offers flexibility in public funding.
-
Article 283 → Regulates handling and rules for government funds.
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Article 284 → Ensures custody and integrity of money handled by courts and officials.
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