Constitution of IndiaPart III

Article 12

Definition of State

Statedefinitionfundamental rightsgovernmentauthorities

Plain English Explanation

This article defines "State" broadly for the purposes of Fundamental Rights. It includes: (1) Central Government and Parliament, (2) State Governments and State Legislatures, (3) Local bodies (municipalities, panchayats), (4) Other authorities under government control. The Supreme Court has expanded this definition over time to include entities like LIC, ONGC, and even private bodies discharging public functions.

Legal Text

The Constitution of India · Article 12

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, "the State" includes the Government and Parliament of India and the Government and the Legislature of each of the States and all local or other authorities within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India.