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A Living Document · Adopted 26 November 1949

The Constitution
of India

A quiet reading room for the world's longest written constitution — its Preamble, 22 Parts, 12 Schedules, and 448+ Articles — alongside curated commentary from across the public square.

22
Parts
12
Schedules
448+
Articles
106+
Amendments
Cornerstones

Notable Articles

14
Part III
Equality before law

The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

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19
Part III
Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.

All citizens shall have the right— (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

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21
Part III
Protection of life and personal liberty

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

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32
Part III
Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part

The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of the rights conferred by this Part is guaranteed. The Supreme Court shall have power to issue directions or orders or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari, whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of any of the rights conferred by this Part. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar called this article the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.

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51A
Part IVA
Fundamental Duties

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India— (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment; (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity; (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

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368
Part XX
Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article. An amendment of this Constitution may be initiated only by the introduction of a Bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament, and when the Bill is passed in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting, it shall be presented to the President who shall give his assent to the Bill.

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14
Part III
Equality before law

The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

Read article
19
Part III
Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.

All citizens shall have the right— (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

Read article
21
Part III
Protection of life and personal liberty

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

Read article
32
Part III
Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part

The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of the rights conferred by this Part is guaranteed. The Supreme Court shall have power to issue directions or orders or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari, whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of any of the rights conferred by this Part. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar called this article the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.

Read article
51A
Part IVA
Fundamental Duties

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India— (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment; (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity; (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

Read article
368
Part XX
Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article. An amendment of this Constitution may be initiated only by the introduction of a Bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament, and when the Bill is passed in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting, it shall be presented to the President who shall give his assent to the Bill.

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