Question

The salaries and allowances of judges of High Courts are charged to

• A. Consolidated Fund of India
• B. Consolidated Fund of State
• C. Contingency Fund of India
• D. Contingency Fund of State

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Consolidated Fund of State

• The salaries and allowances of judges of High Courts are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

• Constitutional Protection: This arrangement is intentional to ensure judicial independence. By charging judges' salaries directly to the Consolidated Fund, their compensation is protected from political interference.

• Not Subject to Vote: The webpage explains that these expenditures are "charged directly to the Consolidated Fund and is not subject to Parliament's annual budget process." This means that Parliament does not vote on or approve these expenses annually - they are automatically charged.

• Historical Basis: The webpage mentions this practice is to "ensure the judicial independence introduced by the Act of Settlement 1701," which shows the historical importance of financial independence for the judiciary.

• Other Protected Expenditures: Besides judges' salaries, other items charged to the Consolidated Fund include payments to the European Union, Civil List payments, salary of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and expenses paid to returning officers at elections.