Importance of Article 12

Article 12 is an important provision, as it defines the term “state”. It lays down the entities that come under its purview. It defines what could be and could not be considered agencies and intrumentalities of the government. It provides a clear idea on who can be held accountable for violating fundamental rights given to the citizens of India by the Constitution.

  • Article 12 provides a foundational definition of “State” in the Indian Constitution.
  • Serves as the gateway for the application of fundamental rights to diverse entities.
  • Extends constitutional accountability to private entities engaged in public functions.
  • Introduces the crucial “public function” test for determining state-like attributes.
  • Acts as a safeguard against the State evading obligations through private entity delegation.
  • Contributes to balancing individual rights with the evolving role of private entities in public services.

Article 12 of Indian Constitution

Article 12 of the Indian Constitution is a significant provision of the Indian Constitution that defines “State”. According to Article 12, the “State” includes the Central Government, State Government, Statutory and Non-Statutory Authorities, Parliament, and State Legislatures. The Indian Constitution uses “state” 511 times and “states” 342 times, with a uniform definition provided in Article 12.

In this Article, We have discussed Article 12 of the Indian Constitution in Detail.

Let’s dive right in.

Article 12 of Indian Constitution

Table of Content

  • Article 12 of the Indian Constitution
  • Article 12 of Indian Constitution Purpose and Need
  • Important Judgments Under Article 12
  • Importance Of Sanjaya Bahel v. Union of India and Others Case
  • Why Article 12 Is Not Considered As a Fundamental Right?
  • Importance of Article 12
  • Article 12 of Indian Constitution: Important Facts
  • FAQs on Article 12 of Indian Constitution

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Article 12 of the Indian Constitution

Article 12 of the Indian Constitution is a crucial provision that defines the scope and applicability of the term “State” as used in the Constitution. It lays the foundation for understanding the fundamental rights granted to individuals and the entities against which these rights can be enforced. Article 12 is part of Part III of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights. The Indian Constitution uses “state” 511 times and “states” 342 times, with a uniform definition provided in Article 12....

Article 12 of Indian Constitution Purpose and Need

Fundamental rights are a group of rights which are guaranteed to all the citizens of the nation by the Constitution of India. These rights are claimed against the state and its intrumentalities. This is why it became important to define state so that the responsibility could be placed upon it....

Important Judgments Under Article 12

Here are some important cases under the Article 12 as mentioned below:...

Importance Of Sanjaya Bahel v. Union of India and Others Case

In Sanjaya Bahel v. Union of India and Others, Delhi High court gave the judgement that United Nations is not a “State” within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution of India. Delhi High court held that United Nations, an international body, could not be treated as an agency or instrumentality of the government....

Why Article 12 Is Not Considered As a Fundamental Right?

Article 12 is not considered as a fundamental right because it defines “state”, its agencies and instrumentalities against whom the fundamental rights covered by Article 14 to 35 can be enforced. Since the state has been given power and authority, citizens must be protected by the Constitution from the actions of the state. A precise definition of the state must be provided to ensure the protection of the citizens. This is what Article 12 does, it provides what all comes under the purview of state, its agencies and intrumentalities so that the rights of the citizens could be safeguarded and protected....

Importance of Article 12

Article 12 is an important provision, as it defines the term “state”. It lays down the entities that come under its purview. It defines what could be and could not be considered agencies and intrumentalities of the government. It provides a clear idea on who can be held accountable for violating fundamental rights given to the citizens of India by the Constitution....

Article 12 of Indian Constitution: Important Facts

Here are some important facts of Article 12:...

FAQs on Article 12 of Indian Constitution

What is Article 12 of Indian Constitution?...