The phrase “office of profit” is frequently used in executive appointments made by national constitutions. The term is often mentioned in the news. Even though it is not defined per se, numerous Supreme Court judgments have outlined it. Read here to understand.
In many nations, it is against the law for the legislator to accept a lucrative position beneath the executive.
This is done to safeguard the legislature’s independence and maintain the separation of powers.
Profit typically refers to any perk, advantage, or beneficial outcome. In most cases, it is understood to mean financial gain, although, in some circumstances, benefits other than financial gain may also be included in its connotation.
An “Office of Profit” provides dignity, prestige, or honor to the occupant and is associated with some form of patronage power or in which the holder is authorized to conduct executive functions.
The office of profit concept has been adopted from the British Parliamentary model. This concept is based on similar lines to the English Act of Settlement 1701.
What is the Office of Profit?
An “Office of Profit” is a term used in the context of parliamentary democracy to describe a situation where a legislator or member of a legislative body holds a government position that provides them with financial benefits, perks, or other advantages. The concept is crucial to maintain the separation of powers and prevent conflicts of interest within the government.
As members of the legislature, MPs, and MLAs hold the government responsible for its actions.
The core of the office of profit law’s disqualification is the idea that if lawmakers hold an “office of profit” within the government, they may be vulnerable to government influence and may not carry out their constitutional duties honestly.
The idea is that an elected member’s obligations and interests shouldn’t conflict with one another.
Thus, the office of profit law just strives to uphold the Constitution’s fundamental tenet of the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches.
What constitutes an office of profit?
The definition of an office of profit has changed throughout the years as a result of successive court rulings’ interpretations of the legislation, which does not explicitly state what constitutes one.
A position that provides the office holder with a financial advantage, benefit, or gain has been defined as an office of profit. It doesn’t matter how much of a profit this is.
In 1964, the Supreme Court ruled that the test for determining whether a person holds an office of profit is the test of appointment.
Several factors are considered in this determination including factors such as:
- whether the government is the appointing authority
- whether the government has the power to terminate the appointment
- whether the government determines the remuneration
- what is the source of remuneration
- the power that comes with the position.
By restricting legislators from simultaneously holding an “Office of Profit,” the aim is to prevent dual loyalty, where a lawmaker’s loyalty is divided between their legislative duties and their role in the executive branch of the government.
If a legislator is found to be holding an “Office of Profit” in violation of the law or the constitution, they may face disqualification from their legislative position.
Constitutional provision
Under the provisions of Article 102 (1) and Article 191 (1) of the Constitution, an MP or an MLA (or an MLC) is barred from holding any office of profit under the central or state government.
The article states that “a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the government of India or the government of any state by reason only that he is a minister”.
Provisions of Articles 102 and 191 also protect a legislator occupying a government position if the office in question has been made immune to disqualification by law.
In the recent past, several state legislatures have enacted laws exempting certain offices from the purview of office of profit.
Parliament has also enacted the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, which has been amended several times to expand the exempted list.
There is no bar on how many offices can be exempted from the purview of the law.
Supreme Court judgments on the Office of Profit
In light of three rulings by the Supreme Court, CM will be disqualified under Section 9A of the Representation of Peoples’ Act, 1951.
For the provision of commodities or the execution of any work conducted by the government, a contract must be made by that law.
In the case of CVK Rao v. Dentu Bhaskara Rao, a Supreme Court constitution panel ruled in 1964 that a mining lease is not the same as a contract for the supply of products.
A three-judge panel of the Supreme Court made it plain in the case of Kartar Singh Bhadana vs. Hari Singh Nalwa & others in 2001 that a mining lease does not equate to the completion of a project that the government has undertaken.
Even if the CM is declared ineligible by a third party, he may contest this decision in the high court. In this situation, and by a Supreme Court rule, the adjudication must be finished within four months.
One person may serve as a minister for six months without becoming a member by Article 164(4).
News about Office of Profit
- Office of profit case: Earlier this year the Election Commission issued notice to the Jharkhand chief minister in reference that he held an“office of profit” by granting a mining lease to himself in 2021.
- The chief minister is accused of violating a provision of the Representation of the People Act.
Conclusion
In India, the issue of “Office of Profit” has led to several high-profile controversies and legal cases over the years. The President of India, on the advice of the Election Commission, can make decisions regarding disqualification, and these decisions are subject to judicial review. The aim is to ensure that legislators do not use their positions for personal gain or to unduly influence the executive branch.
-Article written by Swathi Satish
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