Important Articles of the Indian Constitution

Most of the countries have a constitution that helps in the proper functioning of their governments. Indian constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. BR Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, was widely recognized as its chief contributor. Indian constitution is the world’s lengthiest, comprising 448 articles which are segregated into 25 parts and 12 schedules. 

As per the constitution, India is a secular, socialist, democratic, and a sovereign country. You must have seen in the Preamble that it assures justice, equality, and liberty to all the citizens of the country. Let us now discuss the most important articles of the Indian constitution below. 

Overview of Articles of the Indian Constitution

Before you read the important Indian constitution articles, it is recommended to check the brief details regarding all articles. 

List of Important Indian Constitution Articles

Below we have compiled the list of important articles of the Indian constitution. 

Article 1

Article 1 in the constitution states that India shall be a union of states. India consists of the territories of the state, the union territories, and any territory that may be acquired. 

Article 12

Article 12 of the Indian constitution states that the state consists of the following.

• Government and Parliament of India
• Government and legislature of each state
• All local and other authorities which are under the Government of India
• All local or other authorities within the state

Article 13

Article 13 declares that the laws which are not consistent with any of the fundamental rights shall be considered invalid. 

Article 14

Article 14 ensures equal treatment to all the people, including citizens, corporations, and foreigners. 

Article 16

According to Article 16 of the Indian constitution, no citizen shall be discriminated based on his/her religion, gender, race, caste, place of birth, etc. 

Article 17

According to this article, the practice of untouchability is prohibited.

Article 18

According to Article 18, the states are not allowed to grant titles to anybody whether a citizen or a non-citizen. However, academic distinctions and military titles are a few exceptions. 

Article 19

Article 19 ensures that each citizen of the country has the following rights:

• Freedom of speech and expression
• Freedom to form associations
• Freedom of assembly 
• Freedom of movement
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to reside and to settle
• Freedom of practicing any profession, occupation, trade or business

Article 20

Article 20 ensures that a person who is accused of a crime shall be protected against arbitrary or excessive punishment. 

Article 21

According to Article 21 of the Indian constitution, all citizens have the right to live life on their own terms. However, they must follow the guidelines established by law. 

Article 22

Firstly, Article 22 ensures that a warrant issued against a person must be known to him or her before the arrest. Secondly, the accused person has the right to consult a lawyer. Lastly, every person arrested and detained in custody need to show up before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours. 

Article 25

Article 25 declares that people of all religions will be treated equally and no religion shall be above the law. Under this article, the following rights shall be practiced. 

• Freedom of conscience and free profession
• Practice and propagation of religion

Article 32

Under this article, all the citizens of India have the right to move the court if they feel that any of their fundamental rights have been taken away.

Article 142

Article 142 of the constitution of India is concerned with the imposition of decrees and orders of the Supreme court. The court shall pass the orders for the sake of doing justice in any cause or matter. 

Article 144

Article 144 of the constitution declares that all authorities, including civil and judicial, are obliged to assist the Supreme court in enforcing the laws and passing orders, decrees or directions. 

Article 226

Under Article 226, the high courts have the right to issue directions, orders or writs to any person, authority or government. 

Article 356

Article 356 of the Indian constitution is also called as president’s rule. Under this article, when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, the central government can then take over the state machinery.

Article 368

Under Article 368, the constitution of India grants constituent power to make changes to the country’s fundamental laws. This ensures the sanctity of the Indian constitution and keeps a check on activities of the Parliament.

Article 370

Article 370 is a temporary provision which declares Jammu and Kashmir as an autonomous state. 

Article 360

Article 360 states that the President shall declare the state of financial emergency if the financial stability of our country is threatened. 

The articles of the Indian constitution and six fundamental rights of India are two topics that are often asked in government exams. When you study the list of important Indian constitution articles provided above, you will observe the six fundamental rights also fall under them. Through this article, you can cover both the important topics of political science at once.