Correct Answer:
Option C —
i ,ii and iii only
In the Indian Constitution, there is a vital distinction between expenditure "charged upon" the Consolidated Fund of India and expenditure "made from" it. The items listed in i, ii, and iii are "charged" expenditures, meaning they can be discussed in Parliament but are not subject to vote. This ensures the independence of these high constitutional offices. Why statement 'iv' is the trick question While the pensions of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) are indeed charged upon the Consolidated Fund, their salaries and allowances are technically not "charged" by the Constitution in the same way as Supreme Court judges or the Speaker. Instead, they are "drawn" from the Fund as per the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.In most competitive exams, "charged" expenditure refers strictly to the list provided in Article 112(3) of the Constitution. Expenditures Charged upon the Consolidated Fund (Article 112)The following are the primary expenditures that do not require an annual vote: Presidency: Emoluments and allowances of the President. Parliamentary Heads: Salaries and allowances of the Chairman/Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Speaker/Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. Judiciary: Salaries, allowances, and pensions of Supreme Court Judges, and the pensions of High Court Judges. Audit: Salary, allowances, and pension of the CAG. Debt Charges: Interest and sinking fund charges for which the Government of India is liable. Court Orders: Any sum required to satisfy a judgment, decree, or award of any court or arbitral tribunal.
Key Comparison: SC Judges vs. HC Judges One of the most common points of confusion in Indian Polity is where the money for judges comes from:
Office Salary & Allowances Pensions Supreme Court Judges Charged on Consolidated Fund of India Charged on Consolidated Fund of India High Court Judges Charged on Consolidated Fund of the State Charged on Consolidated Fund of India
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
