Home The Constitution Part XV Article 329

Art. 329 Part XV: Elections

Bar to Interference by Courts in Electoral Matters

Exact text — Constitution of India

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution—(a) the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats to such constituencies, made or purporting to be made under article 327 or article 328, shall not be called in question in any court; (b) no election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as may be provided for by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article deliberately keeps courts out of election matters in two specific ways: constituency delimitation laws can't be challenged in court at all, and an actual election result can only be questioned through a specific 'election petition' process defined by law — not through an ordinary lawsuit or writ petition filed any time before or during the process.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why, if you believe an election was conducted unfairly or a result should be challenged, you (or more realistically, a candidate) must file a formal election petition through the specific legal process — you generally cannot simply file a writ petition asking a court to intervene mid-election or immediately after.

Read alongside this one

Art. voting-political-rights — Voting & Political Rights

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 329

Can I file a writ petition to stop an election from happening due to some irregularity?

Generally very difficult — courts have interpreted this Article as barring interference in the electoral PROCESS itself once it has begun, reserving judicial review for the post-election petition route instead, except in genuinely exceptional circumstances.

← PreviousArticle 328: Power of the Legislature of a State to Make Provision With Respect to Elections to Such Legislature Next →Article 329A: (Repealed) Special Provision as to Elections to Parliament in the Case of Prime Minister and Speaker

The text above reproduces Article 329 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.