Home The Constitution Part XI Article 261

Art. 261 Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Public Acts, Records and Judicial Proceedings

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Full faith and credit shall be given throughout the territory of India to public acts, records and judicial proceedings of the Union and of every State. (2) The manner in which and the conditions under which the acts, records and proceedings referred to in clause (1) shall be proved and the effect thereof determined shall be as provided by law made by Parliament. (3) Final judgments or orders delivered or passed by civil courts in any part of the territory of India shall be capable of execution anywhere within that territory according to law.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article establishes India's 'full faith and credit' principle — a public act, official record, or court judgment from one state must be given full legal recognition throughout India, not just within the state where it originated. Clause (3) specifically ensures a civil court judgment obtained in one state can be enforced anywhere in India.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why, for example, a marriage registered or a civil court judgment obtained in one state doesn't need to be separately re-proven or re-litigated if you move to or need to enforce it in another state — India's internal legal recognition operates as a genuinely unified system, not 50 (or in India's case, 28+) separate legal universes.

Read alongside this one

Art. 233 — Subordinate Courts

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 261

If I win a civil court case in one state, can I enforce that judgment in a different state where the other party has moved?

Yes — clause (3) specifically ensures a civil court's final judgment can be executed anywhere in India, not just within the state where the original court sits.

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The text above reproduces Article 261 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.