Home The Constitution Part III Article 29

Art. 29 Part III: Fundamental Rights

Protection of Interests of Minorities

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.

(2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

Despite the heading, clause (1) isn't limited to religious minorities — it protects ANY group of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture, majority or minority, in preserving it. Clause (2) is a separate, individual-focused right: no citizen can be denied admission to a State-run or State-aided educational institution because of their religion, race, caste or language.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the basis for the constitutional protection of India's many linguistic and cultural communities' right to preserve their language and culture (relevant to things like state reorganisation and language policy), and it's a direct, individual protection if you're denied admission to a government or government-aided school/college specifically because of your religion, caste, race or language.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka(2002) 8 SCC 481 — While centrally about Article 30, this ruling also clarified the relationship between Articles 29 and 30 and educational institution autonomy more broadly. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 30 — Right of Minorities to Establish Educational Institutions Art. 350A — Instruction in the Mother Tongue

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 29

Is Article 29 only about religious minorities?

No — 'any section of citizens' with a distinct language, script or culture is protected, which is broader than just religious minorities and includes linguistic and cultural communities generally.

Can I be denied admission to a government college because of my language?

No — clause (2) specifically bars denying admission to a State-funded/aided institution on grounds including language, alongside religion, race and caste.

← PreviousArticle 28: Freedom From Religious Instruction in Certain Educational Institutions Next →Article 30: Right of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions

The text above reproduces Article 29 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.