Part XII - Finance & Property • Article

Article 284 Simplified: Custody of suitors' deposits and other moneys received by public servants and courts

Article 284 mandates that any money received by a public officer in their official capacity (other than regular tax revenues) or by any court (like bail money, registry deposits, or court fines) must be deposited into the Public Account of India or the Public Account of the State. This keeps private deposits safe and separate from the government's general budget.

Official Text

All moneys received by or deposited with— (a) any officer employed in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State in his capacity as such, other than revenues or public moneys raised or received by the Government of India or the Government of the State, as the case may be;or (b) any court within the territory of India to the credit of any cause, matter, account or persons, shall be paid into the public account of India or the public account of State, as the case may be.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

When people give money to the court (like bail money to keep them out of jail while waiting for trial) or to a government worker, that money must be put in a special, safe bank account called the Public Account. The government can't just spend it like regular pocket money.

Student Mode

Article 284 regulates non-revenue public receipts. It dictates that all monies received by or deposited with public servants (acting in their official capacity) or courts to the credit of any cause, matter, or person must be paid into the Public Account of the Union or the respective State. This separates trust moneys from the Consolidated Fund and prevents executive misappropriation of private deposits.

Example

If a citizen deposits ₹50,000 as bail money in a district court, or a bidder submits a cash security deposit for a government contract, this money is not tax revenue. Under Article 284, it must be kept in the Public Account as a trust until it is legally returned or settled.

Key Takeaway

Money held in trust by courts or public officers must be deposited in the Public Account, keeping public deposits separate from government tax revenues.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Consolidated Fund and the Public Account?

The Consolidated Fund holds all tax revenues and loans raised by the government, requiring parliamentary approval to spend. The Public Account holds money where the government acts as a banker/trustee (like provident funds or court deposits), which can be paid out without legislative votes.

Does Article 284 apply to bribes received by officers?

No, it applies to money lawfully received or deposited in connection with official affairs or court cases, such as earnest money, security deposits, or bail.