Article 31C Simplified: Saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles

Official Text

[Notwithstanding anything contained in article 13, no law giving effect to the policy of the State towards securing [all or any of the principles laid down in Part IV] shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by [article 14 or article 19;] [and no law containing a declaration that it is for giving effect to such policy shall be called in question in any court on the ground that it does not give effect to such policy]: Provided that where such law is made by the Legislature of a State, the provisions of this article shall not apply thereto unless such law, having been reserved for the consideration of the President, has received his assent.]

Simple Meaning

Article 31C protects laws made to implement certain Directive Principles (especially Article 39(b) and (c) regarding wealth distribution) from being struck down under Article 14 (Equality) or Article 19 (Freedoms).

Explain Like Ten

Sometimes the government needs to make a rule to help all poor people, even if it makes one rich person unhappy. Article 31C is a rule that says if a law is made to share things fairly among everyone, it cannot be stopped by other rules of the game.

Student Mode

Inserted by the 25th Amendment (1971) to give primacy to Directive Principles under Article 39(b) and (c) over Fundamental Rights in Articles 14 and 19. The second part of 31C (which barred judicial review) was declared invalid in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

Example

If the government passes a law to distribute land to poor farmers, landlords cannot claim that their right to equality (Article 14) is violated because the law is protected under Article 31C.

Key Takeaway

Article 31C gives policy priority to the common welfare over individual property rights.

FAQs

Which amendment introduced Article 31C?

The 25th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1971.

What did the Supreme Court rule about Article 31C in the Kesavananda Bharati case?

The Court upheld the first part of Article 31C shielding laws implementing Article 39(b) & (c), but struck down the second part that barred courts from checking if the law actually serves that purpose (judicial review).

Quiz

Which constitutional amendment introduced Article 31C?

Answer: 25th Amendment

Article 31C protects laws giving effect to Directive Principles from challenges under which Fundamental Rights?

Answer: Articles 14 and 19

Related Topics

• Article 30
• Article 32