Article 88 of Indian Constitution, Interpretation, Significance

Article 88 of the Constitution of India talks about the rights of Ministers and Attorney-General in their respective houses. The Constitution of India provides the framework and the operations of the Government of India. In this article, we are going to cover all about Article 88 of the Constitution of India. 

Article 88 of Constitution of India Interpretation

Article 88 of the Constitution states – “Every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of either House, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this article be entitled to vote.” 

Article 88 of the Constitution of India talks about all the Ministers and the Attorney General of India and their right to speak and engage in discussion in- 

• House of Parliament
• Joint Sittings
• Parliamentary Committees

These rights to speak and discuss in the parliament does not include voting in any of the proceedings. A Minister who is also a member of one house can attend the proceedings of the other house. 

Article 88 of the Indian Constitution Significance 

Article 88 of the Indian Constitution has the following importance: 

1. Provides Executive accountability to legislature: Allows participation of ministers and attorney generals in parliamentary debates, government policies and provides clarification on matters. 
2. Legal as well as Policy Clarity: The Attorney General has the right to speak and offer legal insights in houses, providing constitutionality and legality of proposals. 
3. Cabinet Responsibility: Ministers who are members of either House can engage with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings, strengthening the principle of collective responsibility. 
4. Functioning Committee: The Attorney General is allowed to contribute in the scrutiny of bills, budgets and policies.

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