Article 12th of the Indian Constitution | भारतीय सविंधान का अनुच्छेद -12

Article 12th of the Indian Constitution | भारतीय सविंधान का अनुच्छेद -12

Article 12 of the Indian Constitution deals with the definition of the term "State" as used throughout the Constitution. It lays down the scope and meaning of the term "State" in the context of fundamental rights and other provisions of the Constitution. Here is the text of Article 12:

"In this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, 'the State' encompasses the Government and Parliament of India, as well as the Government and Legislature of each State, along with all local or other authorities within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India."

In Article 12, the phrase "the State" encompasses a diverse range of entities within the political framework of India. This broad definition incorporates the central government, which comprises the Government and Parliament of India, along with the state governments which consist of the Government and Legislature of each state. Furthermore, it encompasses local authorities and other entities situated within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India.

The definition of "State" under Article 12 is significant as it helps determine the applicability of fundamental rights. These rights are primarily enforceable against the State, and by defining the term, Article 12 ensures that they apply not only to the central and state governments but also to other authorities and bodies exercising governmental functions within the country.

Part III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights, which provide citizens with a set of rights related to speech, expression, religion, protection against exploitation, education, language, culture, and constitutional remedies. To ensure the security of these rights, the term 'State' is defined in Article 12 of the Constitution.

According to Article 12, the term 'State' includes the following entities:

• Legislative and Executive Organs of the Union Government:

Indian Government :

Indian Parliament, which consists of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

• Legislative and Executive Organs of the State Government:

State Governments :

• State Legislature, which consists of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council (if applicable) of the respective state

All local authorities:

• Municipalities, including Municipal Corporations, Nagar Palikas, and Nagar Panchayats
• Panchayats, including Zila Panchayats, Mandal Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats

District Boards:

• Improvement Trusts, etc.
• Statutory and Non-Statutory Authorities:

Statutory Authorities Examples:

• National Human Rights Commission
• National Commission for Women
• National Law Commission
• National Green Tribunal
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
• Armed Forces Tribunal

Non-Statutory Authorities Examples:

• Central Bureau of Investigation
• Central Vigilance Commission
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas

It's important to note that this definition in Article 12 is specifically for the application of the provisions contained in Part III of the Constitution. However, even if a party or authority is not explicitly mentioned as 'State' under Article 12, a writ under Article 226 may still be applicable if the party has a public duty to perform or if their acts are supported by the State or public officials, based on non-constitutional or other grounds of contravention of some provision of the Constitution outside Part III.

The term 'Other Authorities' mentioned in Article 12 refers to all authorities within the territory of India that is controlled by the government through its acts and amendments. In the Supreme Court case of Ujjain Bai v. State of Uttar Pradesh (UP), it was observed that Article 12 concludes the list of authorities falling within its definition by mentioning "other authorities" within the territory of India, which should not be interpreted as being 'of or as the same kind' as the Government, Legislature, or Local authorities.

R.D. Shetty  Views :

In the case of R.D. Shetty v. Airport Authority of India, Justice P.N. Bhagwati provided five points to consider when determining if a 'body' can be considered a 'State' under Article 12:

• If the entire share capital of the body is held by the Government of India
• If the body has a governmental functional character
• If the government has absolute control over the body
• If the body has an element of command or authority
• If the body is involved in discharging public service.

These points help in determining whether a particular body or authority falls within the definition of 'State' under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.

Issues related to Article 12 of the Indian Constitution :

Are there any recent issues related to Article 12 of the Indian Constitution in the news?

One recent debate revolves around whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should be considered a "State" under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution. The Law Commission of India, in its 275th report, recommended treating BCCI as an agency of the state under Article 12. Additionally, in a recent petition to the Supreme Court, the Bar Council of India and the State Bar Councils were mentioned as "other authorities" falling under the meaning of Article 12. These agencies, being creations of the statute, are deemed to be within the purview of Article 12.

In the case of Sanjaya Bahel v. Union of India & Others, the issue of the immunity enjoyed by United Nations Organizations (UNO) under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, was addressed. The Delhi High Court declared in May 2019 that the UNO is not considered a "State" as defined under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.

FAQ :

What is the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution?

Article 12 of the Constitution defines the term "State" as used in Part III of the Constitution, which pertains to the application of the provisions of Fundamental Rights for Indian citizens. While Article 12 itself is not a fundamental right, it plays a crucial role in determining the entities considered "State" to apply Fundamental Rights. Articles 14-35 encompass these Fundamental Rights.

Is Article 12 considered a fundamental right?

Article 12 is not explicitly mentioned as a fundamental right. However, it serves the purpose of defining the term "State" for the application of Fundamental Rights. It clarifies which entities or organizations are considered "State" and are bound by the provisions of Fundamental Rights. It should be noted that the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, High Courts, and State/District Courts, is not explicitly included as a "State" under Article 12. Nevertheless, judicial organs cannot make rules that violate Fundamental Rights, as affirmed in the Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra Case, where the Supreme Court reiterated that Fundamental Rights cannot be violated by any judicial proceedings and that Superior Courts of Justice are not covered by Article 12.

भारतीय सविंधान का अनुच्छेद -12 

भारतीय संविधान का अनुच्छेद 12 में नागरिकों के अधिकारों का विवरण है। यह अनुच्छेद नागरिकों को उनके मौलिक अधिकारों की सुरक्षा प्रदान करता है और सरकार को नागरिकों के अधिकारों का सम्मान करने के लिए जिम्मेदार बनाता है। यहां अनुच्छेद 12 का पूरा पाठ है:

"अनुच्छेद 12: मौलिक अधिकार

(1) प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को अपने मौलिक अधिकारों की पहचान होगी और वह अपने मौलिक अधिकारों के विषय में कोई भी विचार का व्यक्ति करने, प्राप्त करने या बाँटने के लिए स्वतंत्रता का हकदार होगा।

(2) (अ) नागरिकों के अधिकारों की सुरक्षा और संरक्षण के लिए यह अनुच्छेद बाध्य होगा।

(ब) किसी व्यक्ति के द्वारा अपने मौलिक अधिकारों के उल्लंघन का आरोप लगाने और उनकी सुरक्षा के लिए उचित उपायों की मांग करने के लिए न्यायिक याचिका दायर की जा सकती है।

(3) (अ) धारा 20 और धारा 21 के अधीन, नागरिक या कोई अन्य व्यक्ति सरकारी हस्तक्षेप के विरुद्ध विधानात्मक और उपयुक्त न्यायिक उपाय की मांग कर सकता है।

(ब) इस अनुच्छेद के उपयोग के लिए धारा 32 और धारा 226 के अधीन उपयुक्त न्यायिक उपाय उपलब्ध होंगे।

(4) (अ) किसी व्यक्ति के द्वारा उसके मौलिक अधिकारों के उल्लंघन का आरोप लगाने के लिए उसे उचित न्यायिक देखभाल और न्यायिक सुनवाई का हक होगा।

(ब) इस अनुच्छेद के उपयोग के लिए धारा 226 के अधीन उपयुक्त न्यायिक उपाय उपलब्ध होंगे।"

यह अनुच्छेद नागरिकों को उनके मौलिक अधिकारों की पहचान करने और सुरक्षा के लिए उचित न्यायिक उपायों का हक प्रदान करता है। इसके अन्तर्गत नागरिकों को अपने अधिकारों के उल्लंघन के खिलाफ न्यायिक याचिका दायर करने की सुविधा दी गई है और उन्हें उचित न्यायिक देखभाल और सुनवाई का हक प्राप्त होता है।