The Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies
Constitutional Bodies:
Constitutional bodies are institutions or entities that are created and recognized by the constitution of a country. They derive their powers, functions, and authority directly from the constitution.
Characteristics:
- They are mentioned in the constitution or established through a constitutional amendment.
- They possess a high level of independence and autonomy.
- They have specific roles, powers, and functions outlined in the constitution.
- Examples- the judiciary, election commissions, and certain regulatory bodies.
Non-constitutional Bodies:
Non-constitutional bodies are organizations or institutions that are not explicitly mentioned in the constitution and derive their existence and authority from statutes, laws, or executive orders.
Characteristics:
- Created by legislation or other legal instruments, not directly by the constitution.
- May have a specific legal mandate but are subject to change by legislative action.
- Often established to address specific issues or areas of governance.
- Examples include government departments, regulatory agencies, and statutory commissions.
In summary, constitutional bodies have a higher legal standing as they are directly specified or implied by the constitution, while non-constitutional bodies derive their authority from laws or regulations enacted by the legislative or executive branches of government. Both types of bodies play important roles in the functioning of a government and contribute to the administration and governance of a country.
| 1. | NITI Aayog | 1 Jan, 2015 |
| 2. | Planning Commission | 15 March, 1950 – 13 August, 2014 |
| 3. | National Development Council | 6 August, 1952 |
| 4. | National Human Rights Commission | Statutory Body, The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 |
| 5. | State Human Rights Commission | Statutory Body, The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 |
| 6. | Central Information Commission | Statutory Body, The Right to Information Act, 2005 |
| 7. | State Information Commission | Statutory Body, The Right to Information Act, 2005 |
| 8. | Central Vigilance Commission | 1964, on the recommendation of Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962-64); Statutory Body (2003), The central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 |
| 9. | Central Bureau of Investigation | 1963, on the recommendation of Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962-64); derive powers from The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 |
| 10. | Lokpal and Lokayuktas | The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 |
| 1. | The Election Commission of India | Article- 324 |
| 2. | Union Public Service Commission | Article- 315 – 323 |
| State Public Service Commission | Article- 315 – 323 | |
| 3. | Attorney General of India | Article- 76 |
| 4. | Advocate General of the State | Article- 165 |
| 5. | Comptroller and Auditor-General of India | Article- 148 |
| 6. | Finance Commission | Article- 280 |
| 7. | Inter-State Council | Article- 263 |
| 8. | Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission | Article- 307 |
| 9. | National Commission for Scheduled Castes | Article- 338 |
| 10. | National Commission for Scheduled Tribes | Article- 338(A) |
| 11. | Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission | Article- 339 |
| 12. | Backward Classes Commission | Article- 340 |
| 13. | Official Language Commission & Official Language Committee of Parliament | Article- 344 |
| 14. | Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities | Article- 350(B) |
| 15. | State Finance Commission | Article- 243(I) |
| 16. | State Election Commission | Article- 243(K) |
| 17. | District Planning Committee | Article- 243(ZD) |
| 18. | Metropolitan Planning Committee | Article- 243(ZE) |
| 19. | Inter-State Water Dispute | Article- 262 |
| 20. | Administrative Tribunals | Article- 323(A) |