Part XIX: Miscellaneous
Articles 361–367 · A grab-bag 'Miscellaneous' Part covering things that don't fit neatly elsewhere — legal immunity for the President and Governors while in office, protection for reporting on legislative proceedings, some leftover provisions from the era of princely states, and the master 'definitions' Article for the whole Constitution.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Protection of the President and Governors
While in office, the President and Governors can't be criminally prosecuted at all, and civil proceedings against them personally require two months' advance notice — but this immunity is personal to the office and doesn't shield the government's own decisions from judicial review.
All of Articles 361–367
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Protection of the President and Governors
No criminal proceedings can be brought against them during their term; civil proceedings need two months' prior notice; they can't be arrested or imprisoned while in office.
Protection of publication of legislative proceedings
A fair, accurate report of anything said in Parliament or a State Legislature is protected from a defamation claim, unless published with malice.
Disqualification for a remunerative political post after defection
A legislator disqualified under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) can't be appointed to a remunerative political post until re-elected or their original term would have ended — added by the 91st Amendment, 2003, to close a defection loophole.
(Repealed)
Originally protected the rights of former Rulers of Indian princely states; became irrelevant once privy purses were abolished by the 26th Amendment, 1971.
Bar on court jurisdiction over certain historical treaties
Bars courts from adjudicating disputes arising from treaties/agreements made with former Indian princely states around their accession, mostly of historical relevance today.
Recognition of Rulers ceases; privy purses abolished
Ended official recognition of former princely rulers and their privy purses — added by the 26th Amendment, 1971.
Special provisions for major ports and aerodromes
Gives the Union special power over major ports and airports, including limiting a state's authority over law and order in and around them.
Effect of a State's failure to comply with Union directions
If a state fails to comply with directions the Union is entitled to give, the President can treat this as a situation where the state's government can't function per the Constitution — historically one basis for invoking Article 356.
Definitions
The Constitution's master glossary — defines dozens of terms (like 'Scheduled Castes', 'Scheduled Tribes', 'Money Bill') used throughout the document.
Interpretation
Applies the General Clauses Act, 1897's interpretation rules to the Constitution unless the context requires otherwise, and clarifies a few specific interpretive points.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Can the President or a Governor be sued personally while in office?
This is a plain-language guide to Part XIX of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.