Theory of Seperation of Powers

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

1. THEORY OF SEPERATION OF POWERS ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JISHIN JAFAR

2. The idea  originally suggested by Aristotle in his work ‘Politics’   deliberative ,  magisterial(Executive )    Judicial   functions In   ancient   Greece   this   distinction   was   not   followed ,  as   all   these   powers   were   often exercised by the same person. LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 2 The Concept

3. Polybius and  Cicero  ( Roman  empire) – balanced equilibrium of power. Marsiglio  of Padua  - legislative and executive government. John Locke – in his work ‘Civil  Government’ Legislative executive and federative (foreign affairs). LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 3 VARIOUS THOUGHTS

4. LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 4 MONTESQUIEU (1755- 1689)

5. the French scholar  Famous work ‘Sprit  of Laws’ published in  1748 father of the doctrine of separation of  powers. lived in the times of Louis  Fourteen – ‘I am the state’ Montesquieu believed   that   there   must   be   separation   of   powers   If   liberty   is   to   be   safeguarded LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 5 MONTESQUIEU

6. The doctrine of separation of powers implies that there should be three separate organs of government:‐ Legislature Executive Judiciary with separate set of functions and powers.   LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 6 Doctrine  of   Separation   of   Powers

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8. Montesquieu’s  theory of separation of powers had a  great  impact on the political thinking  of the  time and  found  its  best expression  in the  constitution of  United States of America.  Montesquieu’s   writings  influenced the French  Revolution and  the  famous  Declaration  of Rights  issued after the  revolution, laid  out  that "every  society in which the separation  of powers  is not determined   has no constitution”  LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 8

9. Though the  theory received wide recognition  and had great practical implications, it also received a fair amount of criticism from various quarters .  Major  criticisms  are; (1) Absolute  separation of powers is not  possible (2) All  organs of government are not equal in  powers LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 9 Criticism

10. ( 3)  Organs   of  government  are  mutually  dependent . ( 4)  Montesquieu’s  view was that liberty is not  possible without separation of  powers. (5) Modern democratic view does not accept the traditional doctrine of separation of  powers.   LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 10

11. Organs of  government are like the  organs of  a human  body; though distinct they must work in unison in  order to be useful and effective for the purpose for  which they are created. Absolute  separation of power leads  to  division  of   organs   of government   into   water‐tight   compartments.  This   can   lead   to  inefficiency  and  deadlocks in  the   functioning   of  government   and  so is  highly  undesirable In   modern   times   institutions   exercise   overlapping   functions   and   provision   is   made for  some degree of co‐operation  between  different organs of government.  LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 11 ( 1) Absolute  separation of powers is not  possible

12. Theory of separation of powers  assume  that  the   powers  of  organs  of  government  are  equal .  But with the emergence of democracy this assumption seems to be wrong with pre‐eminence of legislature among the other organs being widely recognized. Executive   has   been   reduced   to   a   subordinate   position .   LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 12 (2) All organs of government are not equal in powers

13. Rather  than  clear  separation,  organs of  government today ,  depend  and cooperate  among  one another to  a great  extent  . For example, legislature performs some  executive   functions  apart from its main  function  of  law  making,  like wise   executive performs   some   legislative functions apart   from   its   main   function   of   rule application .  LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 13 (3)  Organs   of  government  are  mutually  dependent :

14. In USA bills are often prepared under the orders or will of the  president  and are  introduced  in the congress by the members of his own  party . Ordinance  are issued by the executive,  which  have the same effect of law, is a  practice  followed in many  countries, including India. LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 14

15.   Montesquieu’s  view was that liberty is not  possible  without separation of powers.  But  this   view is not  right as many countries like  Britain ,  India,    Italy etc., which does  not  follow  separation of powers guarantee liberty  to  its people.  LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 15 (4)

16. Montesquieu’s theory emerged at a   time when state powers was viewed with suspicion and danger .  But with the advent of the concept welfare  s tates , people expect more  action   and   services   from   the   state .  LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 16 ( 5) Modern  democratic view does not accept  the  traditional doctrine of separation of  powers

17. This  has  led  to  the  ascendancy  of  executive  over  legislative branch  Planning and active services demand  fusion   and  not  rigid  separation of  powers.   LP jj inception AL001/SEM3 17 THANK YOU…