Understanding the First 51 Articles of the Indian Constitution – The Foundation of the Nation
Understanding the First 51 Articles of the Indian Constitution – The Foundation of the Nation
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land, laying down the framework for governance, rights, duties, and the distribution of power. The first 51 articles form the backbone of this framework, covering everything from the name of the country to the fundamental rights and guiding principles of governance. Let’s explore them in an expanded, simple, and yet detailed manner.
PART I – The Union and Its Territory (Articles 1 to 4)
Article 1 – Name and Territory of the Union
India is officially called the “Union of India.” It includes all states, union territories, and any territories that may be acquired in the future.
Article 2 – Admission or Establishment of New States
Parliament can admit new states or establish them on agreed terms.
Article 3 – Formation of New States and Alteration of Areas, Boundaries, or Names
Parliament can change state boundaries, merge states, or alter names after consulting the concerned state legislature.
Article 4 – Laws under Articles 2 and 3
Such changes are made through law and are not treated as constitutional amendments.
PART II – Citizenship (Articles 5 to 11)
Article 5 – Citizenship at the Commencement of the Constitution
Defines who was considered an Indian citizen on January 26, 1950.
Article 6 – Rights of Citizenship of Certain Persons Migrating from Pakistan
Grants citizenship to migrants from Pakistan who meet certain conditions.
Article 7 – Rights of Citizenship of Certain Migrants to Pakistan
Those who migrated to Pakistan after March 1, 1947, generally lost Indian citizenship.
Article 8 – Citizenship of Certain Persons of Indian Origin Residing Outside India
Ensures citizenship to Indians living abroad under certain conditions.
Article 9 – Persons Voluntarily Acquiring Citizenship of a Foreign State
Anyone voluntarily becoming a citizen of another country loses Indian citizenship.
Article 10 – Continuance of the Rights of Citizenship
Once validly acquired, citizenship continues unless terminated by law.
Article 11 – Parliament to Regulate Citizenship
Gives Parliament the power to make laws on citizenship matters.
PART III – Fundamental Rights (Articles 12 to 35)
General Principles
Article 12 – Definition of the State
Explains what “State” means in the context of fundamental rights – includes government bodies and agencies.
Article 13 – Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
Any law violating fundamental rights is void.
Right to Equality (Articles 14 to 18)
Article 14 – Equality before the law and equal protection of laws.
Article 15 – No discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 16 – Equal opportunity in public employment.
Article 17 – Abolition of untouchability.
Article 18 – Abolition of titles (except military or academic distinctions).
Right to Freedom (Articles 19 to 22)
Article 19 – Freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
Article 20 – Protection in criminal offences – no ex post facto laws, double jeopardy, or self-incrimination.
Article 21 – Protection of life and personal liberty.
Article 21A – Right to education (for children aged 6–14).
Article 22 – Protection in cases of arrest and detention.
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)
Article 23 – Prohibits human trafficking and forced labour.
Article 24 – Prohibits child labour in hazardous jobs.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 to 28)
Article 25 – Freedom of conscience and religion.
Article 26 – Freedom to manage religious affairs.
Article 27 – No compulsion to pay taxes for promoting any religion.
Article 28 – Freedom from religious instruction in state-funded institutions.
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30)
Article 29 – Protection of language, script, and culture of minorities.
Article 30 – Minorities’ right to establish and manage educational institutions.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32 to 35)
Article 32 – Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights.
Articles 33–35 – Parliament’s power to modify rights for armed forces and make laws for their enforcement.
PART IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36 to 51)
These are non-justiciable principles guiding the State towards socio-economic democracy.
Article 36 – Definition of State for this Part.
Article 37 – DPSPs are not enforceable in courts but are fundamental to governance.
Article 38 – Promote social, economic, and political justice.
Article 39 – Secure adequate means of livelihood, prevent wealth concentration, ensure equal pay, protect workers and children.
Article 39A – Free legal aid.
Article 40 – Promote village panchayats.
Article 41 – Right to work, education, and public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42 – Just and humane work conditions, maternity relief.
Article 43 – Living wage for workers.
Article 43A – Workers’ participation in industries.
Article 44 – Uniform civil code.
Article 45 – Early childhood care and education.
Article 46 – Promote interests of weaker sections, especially SCs/STs.
Article 47 – Raise nutrition and public health, prohibit intoxicants.
Article 48 – Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48A – Protect and improve environment.
Article 49 – Protect monuments of national importance.
Article 50 – Separation of judiciary from executive.
Article 51 – Promote international peace and respect for international law.
Conclusion
The first 51 Articles of the Indian Constitution are not just legal provisions — they are the blueprint of India’s democratic, secular, and welfare-oriented identity. They ensure that governance remains people-centric, rights are preserved, and the State works towards justice and equality for all.
♥️♥️
ReplyDelete