Which of the following is/are the consequence(s) of invoking Article 360, declaration of a financial emergency?
1. The President may order the States to reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of employees serving in connection with the State affairs.
2. Money Bills or other financial bills passed by the State Legislature are not required to be reserved for the consideration of the President.
3. The President can issue directions for the reduction of salaries and allowances of all or any class of employees serving in connection with the affairs of the Union, including the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
4. Money Bills or other financial bills are to be reserved for the consideration of the President after they are passed by the Legislature of the State. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- A1, 3 and 4 only
- BOnly 2
- C1 and 2 only
- DAll of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Article 360 of the Indian Constitution provides for the proclamation of a Financial Emergency by the President. If a Financial Emergency is proclaimed, the following consequences may follow under Article 360(4)—
• Under Article 360(4)(a)(i), the President may order the States to reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of employees serving in connection with the affairs of the State.
• Under Article 360(4)(b), the President may issue reduction of salaries and allowances of the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and also of all or any class of persons serving in connection with the affairs of the Union.
• Under Article 360(4)(a)(ii), a Money Bill or other Financial Bill, after being passed by the State Legislature, may be reserved for the consideration of the President.
Therefore, statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct, whereas statement 2 is not correct.