Important Articles of the Indian Constitution 2025

Important Articles of the Indian Constitution: The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on 26th January 1950, is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework for political principles, establishes the structure of government institutions, and specifies the rights and duties of citizens. With 448 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules, it is one of the lengthiest written constitutions in the world. Among these, some articles are particularly important for their relevance to governance, rights, and duties. Below, we explore these key articles and their significance.

Key Articles of the Indian Constitution

Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)

1. Article 14: Equality before law
   • Ensures that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
2. Article 19: Protection of six fundamental freedoms:
   • Freedom of speech and expression
   • Freedom to assemble peacefully
   • Freedom to form associations
   • Freedom to move freely throughout India
   • Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India
   • Freedom to practice any profession or trade
3. Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty
   • Provides the right to live with dignity, including the right to privacy.
4. Article 25-28: Freedom of religion
   • Guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.
5. Article 32: Right to constitutional remedies
   • Empowers citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)

6. Article 39: Principles of policy to be followed by the state
   • Includes securing the right to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, and protection against economic exploitation.
7. Article 44: Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
   • Encourages the state to implement a uniform code for all citizens, irrespective of religion.

Part IV-A: Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

8. Article 51A: Fundamental duties
   • Lists duties such as respecting the Constitution, cherishing India’s heritage, and promoting harmony.

Part V: The Union (Articles 52-151)

9. Article 74: Council of Ministers
   • States that the President shall act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.
10. Article 76: Attorney General of India
    • Describes the role and duties of the Attorney General, the highest law officer of the country.
11. Article 123: Ordinance-making power of the President
    • Allows the President to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.

Part VI: The States (Articles 152-237)

12. Article 154: Executive authority of the Governor
    • Vests executive power in the Governor of the state.
13. Article 168: State legislatures
    • Describes the composition of state legislative assemblies and councils.

Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States (Articles 245-263)

14. Article 246: Subject matter of laws
    • Divides legislative powers between the Union and the States into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
15. Article 262: Disputes relating to water
    • Provides for the adjudication of disputes regarding interstate rivers.

Part XII: Finance, Property, Contracts, and Suits (Articles 264-300A)

16. Article 280: Finance Commission
    • Mandates the establishment of a Finance Commission to recommend financial distribution between the Union and the States.

Part XIV: Services Under the Union and States (Articles 308-323)

17. Article 312: All-India Services
    • Provides for the creation of services common to both the Union and the States, such as the IAS and IPS.

Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)

18. Article 368: Amendment procedure
    • Lays down the process for amending the Constitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (Important Articles of the Indian Constitution)

Q1: What is the importance of Article 14?

Article 14 ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It is a cornerstone of India’s democratic values.

Q2: What is the purpose of Article 32?

Article 32 provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing citizens to approach the Supreme Court directly to enforce their fundamental rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.

Q3: What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

The Directive Principles (Part IV) are guidelines for the government to frame policies aimed at securing social and economic justice, ensuring welfare, and promoting the well-being of citizens.

Q4: How is the Constitution amended under Article 368?

Article 368 provides two types of amendment procedures: by a simple majority of Parliament or by a special majority, which may also require ratification by half of the state legislatures.

Q5: Why is Article 21 significant?

Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted broadly to include rights like privacy, health, education, and a clean environment.

Conclusio

The Indian Constitution is a living document that reflects the aspirations of the people. Its articles provide a robust framework for governance while safeguarding the rights and duties of citizens. Understanding these key articles is crucial for appreciating the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.