Universal bare acts online

Constitution of India, 1949

Contents
Sections Particulars
Preamble
Part I The Union And Its Territory
1 Name and territory of the Union
2 Admission or establishment of new States
2A [Repealed]
3 Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States
4 Laws made under articles 2 and 3 to provide for the amendment of the First and the Fourth Schedules and supplemental, incidental and consequential matters
Part II Citizenship
5 Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution
6 Rights of citizenship of certain persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan
7 Rights of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan
8 Rights of citizenship of certain persons of Indian origin residing outside India
9 Persons voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign State not to be citizens
10 Continuance of the rights of citizenship
11 Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law
Part III Fundamental Rights
General
12 Definition
13 Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights Right of Equality
14 Equality before law
15 Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
16 Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
17 Abolition of untouchability
18 Abolition of titles
Right to Freedom
19 Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
20 Protection in respect of conviction for offences
21 Protection of life and personal liberty
22 Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases
Right against Exploitation
23 Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor
24 Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
Right to Freedom of Religion
25 Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
26 Freedom to manage religious affairs
27 Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion
28 Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions
Cultural and Educational Rights
29 Protection of interests of minorities
30 Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions
31 [Repealed]
Saving of certain laws
31A Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.
31B Validation of certain Acts and Regulations
31C Saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles
31D [Repealed]
Right to Constitutional Remedies
32 Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part
32A [Repealed]
33 Power of Parliament to modify the rights conferred by this Part in their application, etc.
34 Restriction on rights conferred by this Part while martial law is in force in any area
35 Legislation to give effect to the provisions of this Part
Part IV Directive Principles Of State Policy
36 Definition
37 Application of the principles contained in this Part
38 State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people
39 Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State
39A Equal justice and free legal aid
40 Organization of village panchayats
41 Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases
42 Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief
43 Living wage, etc., for workers
43A Participation of workers in management of industries
44 Uniform civil code for the citizens
45 Provision for free and compulsory education for children
46 Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections
47 Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health
48 Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry
48A Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life
49 Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance
50 Separation of judiciary from executive
51 Promotion of international peace and security
Part IVA Fundamental Duties
51A Fundamental duties
Part V The Union
Chapter I The Executive
The President and Vice-President
52 The President of India
53 Executive power of the Union
54 Election of President
55 Manner of election of President
56 Term of office of President
57 Eligibility for re-election
58 Qualifications for election as President
59 Conditions of President�s office
60 Oath or affirmation by the President
61 Procedure for impeachment of the President
62 Time of holding election to fill vacancy in the office of President and the term of office of person elected to fill casual vacancy
63 The Vice-President of India
64 The Vice-President to be ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States
65 The Vice-President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President
66 Election of Vice-President
67 Term of office of Vice-President
68 Time of holding election to fill vacancy in the office of Vice-President and the term of office of person elected to fill casual vacancy
69 Oath or affirmation by the Vice-President
70 Discharge of President�s functions in other contingencies
71 Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a President or Vice-President
72 Power of President to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases
73 Extent of executive power of the Union Council of Ministers
74 Council of Ministers to aid and advise President
75 Other provisions as to Ministers
The Attorney-General for India
76 Attorney-General for India
Conduct of Government Business
77 Conduct of business of the Government of India
78 Duties of Prime Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the President, etc.
Chapter II Parliament
General
79 Constitution of Parliament
80 Composition of the Council of States
81 Composition of the House of the People
82 Readjustment after each census
83 Duration of Houses of Parliament
84 Qualification for membership of Parliament
85 Sessions of Parliament, prorogation and dissolution
86 Right of President to address and send messages to Houses
87 Special address by the President
88 Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General as respects Houses Officers of Parliament
89 The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council of States
90 Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the office of Deputy Chairman
91 Power of the Deputy Chairman or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Chairman
92 The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration
93 The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People
94 Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
95 Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker
96 The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration
97 Salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker
98 Secretariat of Parliament
Conduct of Business
99 Oath or affirmation by members
100 Voting in Houses, power of Houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum
Disqualifications of Members
101 Vacation of seats
102 Disqualifications for membership
103 Decision on questions as to disqualifications of members
104 Penalty for sitting and voting before making oath or affirmation under article 99 or when not qualified or when disqualified Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members
105 Powers, privileges, etc. of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof
106 Salaries and allowances of members
Legislative Procedure
107 Provisions as to introduction and passing of Bills
108 Joint sitting of both Houses in certain cases
109 Special procedure in respect of Money Bills
110 Definition of Money Bill
111 Assent to Bills
Procedures in Financial Matters
112 Annual financial statement
113 Procedure in Parliament with respect to estimates
114 Appropriation Bills
115 Supplementary, additional or excess grants
116 Votes on account, votes of credit and exceptional grants
117 Special provisions as to financial Bills
Procedure Generally
118 Rules of procedure
119 Regulation by law of procedure in Parliament in relation to financial business
120 Language to be used in Parliament
121 Restriction on discussion in Parliament
122 Courts not to inquire into proceedings of Parliament
Chapter III Legislative Powers Of The President
123 Power of President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament
Chapter IV The Union Judiciary
124 Establishment and Constitution of Supreme Court
125 Salaries, etc., of Judges
126 Appointment of acting Chief Justice
127 Appointment of ad hoc Judges
128 Attendance of retired Judges at sittings of the Supreme Court
129 Supreme Court to be a court of record
130 Seat of Supreme Court
131 Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
131A [Repealed]
132 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court in appeals from High Courts in certain cases
133 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court in appeals from High Courts in regard to civil matters
134 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court in regard to criminal matters
134A Certificate for appeal to the Supreme Court
135 Jurisdiction and powers of the Federal Court under existing law to be exercisable by the Supreme Court
136 Special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court
137 Review of judgments or orders by the Supreme Court
138 Enlargement of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
139 Conferment on the Supreme Court of powers to issue certain writs
139A Transfer of certain cases
140 Ancillary powers of Supreme Court
141 Law declared by Supreme Court to be binding on all courts
142 Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.
143 Power of President to consult Supreme Court
144 Civil and judicial authorities to act in aid of the Supreme Court
144A [Repealed]
145 Rules of court, etc.
146 Officers and servants and the expenses of the Supreme Court
147 Interpretation
Chapter V Comptroller And Auditor-General Of India
148 Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
149 Duties and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor-General
150 Form of accounts of the Union and of the States
151 Audit reports
Part VI The States
Chapter I General
152 Definition
Chapter II The Executive
The Governor
153 Governors of States
154 Executive power of State
155 Appointment of Governor
156 Term of office of Governor
157 Qualifications for appointment as Governor
158 Conditions of Governor�s office
159 Oath or affirmation by Governor
160 Discharge of the functions of the Governor in certain contingencies
161 Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases
162 Extent of executive power of State
Council of Ministers
163 Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor
164 Other provisions as to Ministers
The Advocate-General for the State
165 Advocate-General for the State
Conduct of Government Business
166 Conduct of business of the Government of a State
167 Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor, etc.
Individual officers
Chapter III The State Legislature
General
168 Constitution of Legislatures in States
169 Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States
170 Composition of the Legislative Assemblies
171 Composition of the Legislative Councils
172 Duration of State Legislatures
173 Qualification for membership of the State Legislature
174 Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution
175 Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses
176 Special address by the Governor
177 Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respects the Houses
Officers of the State Legislature
178 The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
179 Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
180 Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker
181 The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration
182 The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council
183 Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman
184 Power of the Deputy Chairman or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Chairman
185 The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration
186 Salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman
187 Secretariat of State Legislature
Conduct of Business
188 Oath or affirmation by members
189 Voting in Houses, power of Houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum
Disqualifications of Members
190 Vacation of seats
191 Disqualifications for membership
192 Decision on questions as to disqualifications of members
193 Penalty for sitting and voting before making oath or affirmation under article 188 or when not qualified or when disqualified
Powers, Privileges and Immunities of State Legislatures and their Members
194 Powers, privileges, etc., of the House of Legislatures and of the members and committees thereof
195 Salaries and allowances of members
Legislative Procedure
196 Provisions as to introduction and passing of Bills
197 Restriction on powers of Legislative Council as to Bills other than Money Bills
198 Special procedure in respect of Money Bills
199 Definition of Money Bills
200 Assent to Bills
Governor�s assent to Bills
201 Bills reserved for consideration
Procedure in Financial Matters
202 Annual financial statement
203 Procedure in Legislature with respect to estimates
204 Appropriation Bills
205 Supplementary, additional or excess grants
206 Votes on account, votes of credit and exceptional grants
207 Special provisions as to financial Bills
Procedure Generally
208 Rules of procedure
209 Regulation by law of procedure in the Legislature of the State in relation to financial business
210 Language to be used in the Legislature
211 Restriction on discussion in the Legislature
212 Courts not to inquire into proceedings of the Legislature
Chapter IV Legislative Power Of The Governor
213 Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature
Chapter V The High Courts In The States
214 High Courts for States
215 High Courts to be courts of record
216 Constitution of High Courts
217 Appointment and conditions of the office of a Judge of a High Court
218 Application of certain provisions relating to Supreme Court to High Courts
219 Oath or affirmation by Judges of High Courts
220 Restriction on practice after being a permanent Judge
221 Salaries etc., of Judges
222 Transfer of a Judge from one High Court to another
223 Appointment of acting Chief Justice
224 Appointment of additional and acting Judges
224A Appointment of retired Judges at sittings of High Courts
225 Jurisdiction of existing High Courts
226 Power of High Courts to issue certain writs
Students
226A [Repealed]
227 Power of superintendence over all courts by the High Court
228 Transfer of certain cases to High Court
228A [Repealed]
229 Officers and servants and the expenses of High Courts
230 Extension of jurisdiction of High Courts to Union territories
231 Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States
Chapter VI Subordinate Courts
233 Appointment of district judges
233A Validation of appointments of, and judgments, etc., delivered by, certain district judges
234 Recruitment of persons other than district judges to the judicial service
235 Control over subordinate courts
236 Interpretation
237 Application of the provisions of this Chapter to certain class or classes of magistrates
Part VII [Repealed]
Part VIII The Union Territories
239 Administration of Union territories
239A Creation of local Legislatures or Council of Ministers or both for certain Union territories
239B Power of administrator to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature
240 Power of President to make regulations for certain Union territories
241 High Courts for Union territories
242 [Repealed]
Part IX The Panchayats
243 Definitions
243A Gram Sabha
243B Constitution of Panchayats
243C Composition of Panchayats
243D Reservation of seats
243E Duration of Panchayats, etc.
243F Disqualifications for membership
243G Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
243H Powers to impose taxes by, and funds of, the Panchayats
243I Constitution of finance Commissions to review financial position
243J Audit of accounts of Panchayats
243K Elections to the Panchayats
243L Application to Union territories
243M Part not to apply to certain areas
243N Continuance of existing laws and Panchayats
243O Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
Election process (Gram Panchayats)
Part IX A The Municipalities
243P Definitions
243Q Constitution of Municipalities
243R Composition of Municipalities
243S Constitution and composition of wards Committees, etc.
243T Reservation of seats
243U Duration of Municipalities, etc.
243V Disqualifications for membership
243W Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities, etc.
243X Power to impose taxes by, and funds, of, the Municipalities
243Y Finance Commission
243Z Audit of accounts of Municipalities
243ZA Elections to the Municipalities
243ZB Application to Union territories
243ZC Part not to apply to certain areas
243ZD Committee for district planning
243ZE Committee for Metropolitan Planning
243ZF Continuance of existing laws and Municipalities
243ZG Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
Part X The Scheduled And Tribal Areas
244 Administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas
244A Formation of an autonomous State comprising certain tribal areas in Assam and creation of local Legislature or Council of Ministers or both therefor
Part XI Relations Between The Union And The States
Chapter I Legislative Relations
Distribution of Legislative Powers
245 Extent of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States
246 Subject-matter of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States
247 Power of Parliament to provide for the establishment of certain additional courts
248 Residuary powers of legislation
249 Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest
250 Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to any matter in the State List if a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation
251 Inconsistency between laws made by Parliament under articles 249 and 250 and laws made by the Legislatures of States
252 Power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent and adoption of such legislation by any other State
253 Legislation for giving effect to international agreements
254 Inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and laws made by the Legislatures of States
255 Requirements as to recommendations and previous sanctions to be regarded as matters of procedure only
Chapter II Administrative Relations
General
256 Obligation of States and the Union
257 Control of the Union over States in certain cases
257A [Repealed]
258 Power of the Union to confer powers, etc., on States in certain cases
258A Power of the States to entrust functions to the Union
259 [Repealed]
260 Jurisdiction of the Union in relation to territories outside India
261 Public acts, records and judicial proceedings
Disputes relating to Waters
262 Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys
Co-ordination between States
263 Provisions with respect to an inter-State Council
Part XII Finance, Property, Contracts And Suits
Chapter I Finance
General
264 Interpretation
265 Taxes not to be imposed save by authority of law
Fee
266 Consolidated Funds and public accounts of India and of the States
267 Contingency Fund
Distribution of Revenues between the Union and the States
268 Duties levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States
269 Taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States
270 Taxes levied and distributed between the Union and the States
271 Surcharge on certain duties and taxes for purposes of the Union
272 Taxes which are levied and collected by the Union and may be distributed between the Union and the States
273 Grants in lieu of export duty on jute and jute products
274 Prior recommendation of President required to Bills affecting taxation in which States are interested
275 Grants from the Union to certain States
276 Taxes on professions, trades, callings and employments
277 Savings
278 [Repealed]
279 Calculation of "net proceeds", etc.
280 Finance Commission
281 Recommendations of the Finance Commission
Miscellaneous Financial Provisions
282 Expenditure defrayable by the Union or a State out of its revenues
283 Custody, etc. of Consolidated Funds, Contingency Funds and moneys credited to the public accounts
284 Custody of suitors� deposits and other moneys received by public servants and courts
285 Exemption of property of the Union from State taxation
286 Restrictions as to imposition of tax on the sale or purchase of goods
287 Exemption from taxes on electricity
288 Exemption from taxation by States in respect of water or electricity in certain cases
289 Exemption of property and income of a State from Union taxation
290 Adjustment in respect of certain expenses and pensions
290A Annual payment to certain Devaswom Funds
291 [Repealed]
Chapter II Borrowing
292 Borrowing by the Government of India
293 Borrowing by States
Chapter III Property, Contracts, Rights, Liabilities, Obligations And Suits
294 Succession to property, assets, rights, liabilities and obligations in certain cases
295 Succession to property, assets, rights, liabilities and obligations in other cases
296 Property accruing by escheat or lapse or as bona vacantia
297 Things of value within territorial waters or continental shelf and resources of the exclusive economic zone to vest in the Union
298 Power to carry on trade, etc.
299 Contracts
300 Suits and proceedings
Chapter IV Right To Property
300A Persons not to be deprived of property save by authority of law
Part XIII Trade, Commerce And Intercourse Within The Territory Of India
301 Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse
302 Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse
303 Restrictions on the legislative powers of the Union and of the States with regard to trade and commerce
304 Restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse among States Regulation and Prohibition must be distinguished from each other
305 Saving of existing laws and laws providing for State monopolies
306 [Repealed]
307 Appointment of authority for carrying out the purposes of articles 301 to 304
Part XIV Services Under The Union And The States
Chapter I Services
308 Interpretation
309 Recruitment and conditions of service of persons serving the Union or a State
310 Tenure of office of persons serving the Union or a State
311 Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State
312 All-India Services
312A Power of Parliament to vary or revoke conditions of service of officers of certain services
313 Transitional provisions
314 [Repealed]
Chapter II Public Service Commission
315 Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States
316 Appointment and term of office of members
317 Removal and suspension of a member of a Public Service Commission
318 Power to make regulations as to conditions of service of members and staff of the Commission
319 Prohibition as to the holding of offices by members of Commission on ceasing to be such members
320 Functions of Public Service Commissions
321 Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions
322 Expenses of Public Service Commission
323 Reports of Public Service Commissions
Part XIVA Tribunals
323A Administrative tribunals
323B Tribunals for other matters
Part XV Elections
324 Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission
325 No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex
326 Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage
327 Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures
328 Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature
329 Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
329A [Repealed]
Part XVI Special Provisions Relating To Certain Classes