Home The Constitution Part IV Article 47

Art. 47 Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy

Duty to Raise Nutrition and Public Health

Exact text — Constitution of India

The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article makes public health and nutrition a stated 'primary duty' of the State — strong language for a Directive Principle — and specifically calls for working towards prohibition of intoxicating drinks and harmful drugs, except for medicinal use.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the constitutional basis some states have relied on to justify liquor prohibition policies (like in Gujarat and Bihar), and it underlies broader public health and nutrition programmes, including mid-day meal schemes and public health missions.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

State of Bombay v. F.N. BalsaraAIR 1951 SC 318 — An early ruling upholding the Bombay Prohibition Act, referencing this Directive Principle as supporting the State's power to regulate and restrict alcohol. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 47 — Duty to Raise Nutrition and Public Health

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 47

Can a state completely ban alcohol citing this Article?

Yes, states have relied on this directive (alongside their own State List powers over intoxicants) to justify prohibition policies — though the wisdom and effectiveness of prohibition remains a separate, actively debated policy question.

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The text above reproduces Article 47 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.