Important Articles of the Indian Constitution

Important Articles of the Indian Constitution

Preface

The Constitution of India, the longest written constitution in the world with 1,17,369 words, serves as the nation’s supreme legal document. It outlines the functioning of the government, delineates the powers of its various branches, and guarantees fundamental rights for citizens. Unlike parliamentary systems where the legislature has the final authority, India's Constitution prevails over all laws, reflecting the will of the people as crafted by a constituent assembly. Initially, the Constitution comprised 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules. Over time, it has evolved to include 442 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules.

The Drafting Committee

The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was formed on August 29, 1947, to create the Constitution of India. It gathered feedback from the Constituent Assembly, which originally had 389 members and later became 299 after reorganizing. This assembly included representatives from both provincial assemblies and princely states. The diverse makeup of the assembly allowed for a wide range of perspectives in developing the Constitution, especially on important topics like social justice, women's rights, fundamental duties, and governance. The final draft was presented on November 4, 1948, and the Constitution was officially adopted on January 26, 1950. Following this, the first general elections for Parliament were held in 1951-52. 

The Drafting Committee included members such as,

1. B.R.Ambedkar (Chairman)
2. Alladi Krishnaswami
3. Mohammad Saadulla
4. N.Gopalaswami
5. K.M Munshi
6. D.P.Khaitan
7. B.L.Mitter

*B.L.Mitter resigned for health reasons and was replaced by N. Madhav Rau. D.P.Khaitan passed away in 1948 and was replaced by T.T.Krishnamachari.

Name of the Union

Article 1 👇

India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

Equality Before Law

Article 14 👇

Everyone is treated equally under the law, with no one above it, regardless of their status. 

Prohibition of Discrimination

Article 15 👇

Prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring equal access to public spaces, jobs, and education for all citizens.

Fundamental Rights to Freedom

Article 19 👇

Protects basic freedoms like expressing beliefs, gathering peacefully, and forming associations. Reasonable restrictions are allowed for public order, morality, and national sovereignty.

Protection From Being Punished for Things That Were Legal Before

Article 20 👇

Protects against being punished for acts that weren’t crimes when committed, prevents double jeopardy and self-incrimination.

Right to Life and Personal Liberty

Article 21 👇

Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, interpreted to include privacy, health, and a dignified life.

Rights Against Arbitrary Arrest

Article 22 👇

Provides rights against wrongful arrest and detention, ensuring access to legal counsel and timely presentation before a magistrate.

Freedom of Religion

Article 25 👇

Guarantees freedom to practice and share one's religion, as long as it doesn't disturb public order, morality, or health.

Right to Manage Religious Affairs

Article 26 👇

Grants religious groups the right to manage their own affairs, establish institutions, and own property.

Note = The administration of public temples differs from the religious matters outlined in Article 26.

Prohibition of Taxation for Religious Promotion

Article 27 👇

Prohibits the government from taxing individuals to support any particular religion.

Religious Instruction in Educational Institutions

Article 28 👇

State-funded schools cannot offer religious instruction, except those mandated by trust. Students can't be forced into religious activities without their or their guardian's consent.

Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities

Article 29 👇

Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their distinct language and culture.

Right of Minorities to Educational Institutions

Article 30 👇

Gives minorities the right to run educational institutions without state discrimination and prevents government bias in funding them.

Remedies for Enforcement

Article 32 👇

Grants individuals to seek enforcement of their fundamental rights by petitioning the Supreme Court using different types of writs.

Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests of Weaker Sections

Article 46 👇

Mandates the state to support the educational and economic interests of marginalized communities, promoting equality and social justice.

Fundamental Duties and Values

Article 51 A 👇

Lists the fundamental duties of citizens, including promoting harmony and brotherhood, emphasizing the importance of secularism and respect for all religions.

Article 51 A(h) 👇

To foster scientific reasoning, humanistic values, and a spirit of inquiry and reform.

Special Autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir

Article 370 👇

Provided special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and control over internal matters (abrogated in 2019).

Special Provisions for Northeastern States

Article 371 👇

Contains special provisions for certain northeastern states, recognizing their unique cultural and social contexts.

Article 371 A 👇

Protects cultural and land rights in Nagaland.

Article 371 B 👇

Grants Assam the right to create autonomous districts.

Article 371 C 👇

Establishes legislative assemblies for Manipur.

Article 371 D 👇

Contains provisions for public employment and education in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Article 371 E 👇

Allows for the establishment of a university in Nagaland.

Article 371 F 👇

Includes special provisions for Sikkim’s administration.

Article 371 G 👇

Protects Mizoram's cultural identity and land rights.

Article 371 H 👇

Assigns special responsibilities to the Governor for law and order in Arunachal Pradesh.

Article 371 I 👇

Focuses on local rights in Goa.

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