1.(e) "Delegated legislation has become a strategic tool in the hands of the executive despite its utility." Comment.
Delegated legislation, where the legislature grants power to the executive to make detailed rules and regulations, possesses significant utility. It offers flexibility, allowing for rapid adaptation to changing circumstances without lengthy parliamentary procedures. It leverages specialized expertise, as technical details can be filled in by experts in relevant fields, and saves legislative time by relieving parliaments from drafting intricate rules. This utility is particularly evident in emergencies or highly technical policy areas. However, despite these benefits, delegated legislation has increasingly become a strategic tool for the executive, raising concerns about democratic accountability and the separation of powers. By utilizing this power, the executive can effectively bypass extensive parliamentary scrutiny and public debate that primary legislation undergoes. This shift can lead to an accumulation of law-making power in the executive branch, potentially allowing it to implement policies or introduce controversial measures with less oversight. While essential for administrative efficiency, its strategic deployment by the executive necessitates robust checks and balances to prevent potential overreach and ensure that it remains a mechanism for effective governance rather than a means to circumvent democratic processes.