Important Articles of Indian Constitution Complete List 2023

Important Articles of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of the land, serving as the guiding light of the nation. It represents the collective vision of the founding fathers, seeking to create a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The Indian Constitution is an elaborate document that defines the framework and principles governing the country’s governance.

Within its pages, several articles stand out as fundamental pillars, shaping the very essence of India’s democracy and society. In this article, we will explore some of the most important articles of Indian Constitution that play a vital role in upholding the nation’s democratic ideals and values.

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Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Parts of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of India, providing the framework for its governance and functioning as a guiding light for the nation’s progress. It is a meticulously crafted document that reflects the collective wisdom and aspirations of the people. Envisioned as the cornerstone of India’s democratic and secular fabric, the Constitution lays down the fundamental principles that govern the country’s political, social, and economic structures.

With its comprehensive nature, the Indian Constitution encompasses a wide array of elements that define the rights, responsibilities, and powers of the various entities within the nation. From fundamental rights and directive principles to the organization and functioning of the government, each part of the Constitution serves a distinct purpose in shaping the nation’s identity and upholding the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

We will explore the pivotal parts of the Important Articles of Indian Constitution and their significance in shaping the destiny of the world’s largest democracy.

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List of Parts of Important Articles of Indian Constitution

Below is the list of Parts of the Important Articles of Indian Constitution:

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Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Preamble to the Constitution of India

Before seeing the Important Articles of Indian Constitution, we need to have a look at the Preamble to the Constitution of India. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is a brief introductory statement that outlines the fundamental values and objectives of the Constitution. It serves as the guiding spirit and the soul of the Constitution. The Preamble was adopted on 26th November 1949 and was enacted along with the rest of the Constitution on 26th January 1950, when India became a republic. The Preamble reads as follows:

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The key principles enshrined in the Preamble are:

1. Sovereignty: It emphasizes that India is a sovereign nation and is free from any external interference.
2. Socialist: India is committed to achieving a socialist society, striving for social and economic equality.
3. Secular: The state does not promote any specific religion and ensures equal treatment to all religions.
4. Democratic: The power of the government is derived from the people, and there is a system of elected representatives.
5. Republic: India is a republic where the head of state is an elected representative, rather than a hereditary monarch.
6. Justice: The Preamble seeks to establish justice in all spheres – social, economic, and political.
7. Liberty: It ensures freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship for all citizens.
8. Equality: The Preamble aims to secure equal status and opportunities for all individuals.
9. Fraternity: It promotes a sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens.

The Preamble reflects the aspirations and goals of the people of India, and it serves as a guiding principle for the interpretation of the Constitution and the governance of the country. Now, we can proceed to seeing the Important Articles of Indian Constitution.

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List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution, a comprehensive and dynamic document, serves as the guiding framework for the world’s largest democracy. Enacted on January 26, 1950, it comprises a series of essential articles that lay the foundation for India’s governance and uphold citizens’ rights and responsibilities. Here’s a curated list of Important Articles of Indian Constitution, that shape the nation’s legal and political landscape:

• Article-1: Name and territory of the Union.
• Article-2: Admission and establishment of new states.
• Article-3: Formation of new states and alteration of boundaries and areas of existing states.
• Article-5: Citizenship at the time of the adoption of the constitution.
• Article-6: Rights of citizenship of certain persons who migrated to India from Pakistan.
• Article-10: Continuance of the rights of citizenship.
• Article-11: Parliament to regulate the rights of citizenship by law.
• Article-12: Definition of the term “State.”
• Article-13: Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights.

Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Rights to Equality (Article-14 to Article-18)

• Article-14: Equality before the law.
• Article-15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article-16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Article-17: Abolition of “untouchability.”
• Article-18: Abolition of titles except military and academic distinctions.

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Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Rights to Freedom (Article 19 to 22)

• Article 19: Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
• Article 20: Protection in respect of conviction for offenses.
• Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
• Article 22: Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.
• Articles 23 and 24 relate to the right against exploitation. Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor.
• Article 24: Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.

Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Religion-related Freedom Rights (Articles 25 to 28)

• Article-25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
• Article-26: Freedom to manage religious affairs.
• Article-27: Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
• Article-28: Freedom from attending religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.
• Rights to Culture and Education: Articles 29 to 32 Article-29: Protection of the interests of minorities.
• Article-30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
• Article-32: Directive Principles of State Policy (Article-36 to Article-51) Principles to be followed by the state while enacting laws to uphold fundamental rights.

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Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

In the Indian Constitution, DPSP stands for Directive Principles of State Policy. These are a set of guidelines or principles laid down in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Constitution that the State is expected to follow while making laws and policies. Unlike fundamental rights, DPSPs are not enforceable by the courts, but they serve as a moral and political obligation for the government to promote social justice, equality, and better standards of living for the people of India. The DPSPs aim to establish a welfare state and provide social and economic justice to all citizens.

List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

Here are the relevant articles related to Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution:

• Article 36: Defines the term “State” for the purposes of Part IV of the Constitution.
• Article 37: States that the provisions contained in Part IV are not enforceable in any court but are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country.
• Article 38: Directs the State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people and to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.
• Article 39: Lays down principles to guide the State in making policies for securing certain socioeconomic rights. It includes provisions related to the distribution of material resources and ownership and control of the means of production.

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• Article 40: Emphasizes the organization of village panchayats for promoting local self-governance and rural development.
• Article 41: Directs the State to provide within the limits of its economic capacity and development, right to work, education, and public assistance to the unemployed, aged, and sick citizens.
• Article 42: Ensures just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief to workers.
• Article 43: Encourages the State to secure living wages, decent working conditions, and opportunities for workers’ participation in management. Article 43A: Provides for the participation of workers in the management of industries.
• Article 44: Discusses the Uniform Civil Code, urging the State to endeavor to secure for its citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
• Article 45: Directs the State to provide free and compulsory education for children below the age of 14 years.
• Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections and protects them from social injustice and exploitation.
• Article 47: Directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living, and to improve public health.
• Article 48: Mandates the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to prevent the slaughter of cows and calves.
• Article 48A: States that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 49: Prescribes the conservation of monuments and places of historical importance.
• Article 50: Upholds the separation of the judiciary from the executive to ensure independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
• Article 51: Outlines the promotion of international peace and security, respect for international law, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

Important Articles of Indian Constitution: Fundamental Duties

The Fundamental Duties are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution, specifically in Article 51A. These duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR. They were incorporated to emphasize the importance of citizen participation in building a strong and responsible nation. As of my last update in September 2021, there are 11 Fundamental Duties outlined in Article 51A. Here they are:

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1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired India’s freedom struggle.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity to bring about social, economic, and technological progress.
11. To provide opportunities for education to one’s child or ward between the ages of 6 and 14 years.

Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the Union

The Indian Constitution, one of the world’s lengthiest and most comprehensive, enshrines various articles that are crucial for the functioning of the Union government. Among these, Article 1 holds paramount importance as it defines India’s territory, stating that India shall be a Union of States and includes the territories specified in the First Schedule. Article 52 establishes the President of India as the head of the Union, embodying the nation’s sovereignty and symbolizing unity.

Article 75 outlines the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at its helm, responsible for aiding and advising the President in the exercise of his or her functions. Furthermore, Article 246 delineates the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States, serving as a foundation for the division of responsibilities and functions to maintain federal unity. These articles, along with others, lay the framework for the Union government’s functioning and its relationship with the states in India’s federal structure.

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List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the Union

Below is the List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the Union:

• Article 1: Name and territory of the Union of India.
• Article 52: The President of India and his/her manner of election.
• Article 53: Executive power of the President.
• Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President.
• Article 75: Appointment of the Prime Minister and other Ministers.
• Article 76: Attorney General of India.
• Article 78: Duties of the Prime Minister.
• Article 83: Duration of Houses of Parliament.
• Article 100: Voting in Parliament.

Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the States

Part VI of the Indian Constitution (Articles 152 to 237) deals specifically with the States and the Union territories. Here are some key aspects related to the States in the Indian Constitution:

1. Establishment of States: The Constitution provides for the establishment of states and their reorganization, if needed, by the Parliament. It originally recognized the existing provinces and princely states as the initial states of the Indian Union. Over time, states have been reorganized based on linguistic and administrative considerations.
2. Executive: Each state has its own Governor, who is appointed by the President of India. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and represents the President at the state level. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who is the head of the state government and is responsible for the day-to-day administration.
3. Legislature: Each state has a Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) that is elected by the people of the state. The size of the Legislative Assembly and the number of members vary from state to state. States also have a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in case of bicameral legislatures, but not all states have this setup.
4. Powers and Functions: The Constitution outlines the distribution of powers and functions between the Union and the States in three lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union List contains subjects on which only the Parliament can legislate, the State List contains subjects on which only the state legislatures can legislate, and the Concurrent List contains subjects on which both can legislate.
5. Special Provisions: The Constitution contains special provisions for certain states, like the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 (which was abrogated in 2019), and provisions for autonomous districts and regions in some northeastern states under the Sixth Schedule.
6. Emergency Provisions: In case of emergency situations, the President can impose President’s Rule in a state if the state machinery fails to function according to the constitutional provisions.

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List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the States

Below is the List of Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to the States:

• Article 2: Admission or establishment of new States.
• Article 3: Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States.
• Article 163: Council of Ministers in States to aid and advise the Governor.
• Article 164: Appointment of Chief Minister and other Ministers in States.
• Article 167: Duties of Chief Minister.
• Article 200: Assent to Bills by the Governor.
• Article 214: High Courts for States.
• Article 239AA: Special provisions with respect to Delhi.
• Article 356: Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States (President’s Rule).

Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to Emergency

In the Indian Constitution, emergency provisions are enshrined in Part XVIII (Articles 352 to 360) to deal with exceptional situations that threaten the security, integrity, or stability of the country. There are three Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to emergencies mentioned in the Indian Constitution:

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1. Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to Emergency: National Emergency (Article 352)

This emergency can be declared when the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. It empowers the President to declare a state of emergency throughout the country or a specific part of it. Some important aspects of Article 352 include:

• The President can proclaim a national emergency on the written advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister.
• The proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament within one month, and it remains valid for six months, with subsequent extensions if necessary.
• During a national emergency, the central government gains extraordinary powers to deal with the situation, and some fundamental rights can be suspended or curtailed.

2. Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to Emergency: State Emergency (Article 356)

Also known as President’s Rule, this emergency can be declared when there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery in a state. It grants the President the authority to assume the functions of the state government and place it under the direct control of the central government. Important points about Article 356 are:

• The President can declare a state emergency based on a report from the Governor of the affected state or from other sources.
• The proclamation must be approved by Parliament within two months and is valid for six months. If necessary, it can be extended up to three years with subsequent parliamentary approvals.
• During a state emergency, the President can dissolve the state legislative assembly or keep it in suspended animation, and the Parliament assumes legislative powers for the state.

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3. Important Articles of Indian Constitution related to Emergency: Financial Emergency (Article 360)

This emergency can be declared when the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory is threatened. It grants the President the power to issue directions to the states for financial consolidation. Key points regarding Article 360 are:

• The President can proclaim a financial emergency on the written recommendation of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
• The proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament within two months and remains valid for six months, with subsequent extensions if necessary.
• During a financial emergency, the executive authority of the Union extends to the giving of directions to states concerning their financial matters.

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Important Articles of Indian Constitution: FAQs

Ques: Which is one of the most important articles of Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document with several important articles that form the backbone of the country’s governance. While all articles are crucial in their own right, there is often debate about which one can be considered the most important. Different scholars and experts may have varying opinions on this matter. However, many people regard Article 21 as one of the most significant and fundamental provisions in the Indian Constitution.

Ques: How many important articles of Indian Constitution are there?

Ans: The Indian Constitution consists of 395 articles. These articles cover various aspects of governance, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, the structure of the government, and other important provisions that form the basis of India’s legal framework.

Ques: भारतीय संविधान में कितने अनुच्छेद महत्वपूर्ण हैं?

Ans: भारतीय संविधान में 395 अनुच्छेद होते हैं। ये अनुच्छेद सरकार चलाने के विभिन्न पहलुओं, मौलिक अधिकारों, राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांतों, सरकार के संरचना, और भारत के कानूनी ढांचे के आधार बनाने वाले अन्य महत्वपूर्ण प्रावधानों को कवर करते हैं।

Ques: What is the Article 343 to 351?

Ans: Part 17 of the Indian constitution (comprising Articles 343 to 351) contains detailed provisions concerning the official language of the Republic of India. The primary focus on the official language of the Union is encompassed in Articles 343 and 344 of the Indian Constitution.

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