Home The Constitution Part XIX Article 363

Art. 363 Part XIX: Miscellaneous

Bar to Interference by Courts in Disputes Arising Out of Certain Treaties, Agreements, etc.

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution but subject to the provisions of article 143, neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in any dispute arising out of any provision of a treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, sanad or other similar instrument which was entered into or executed before the commencement of this Constitution by any Ruler of an Indian State and to which the Government of the Dominion of India or any of its predecessor Governments was a party...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article bars ordinary courts from adjudicating disputes arising out of the specific pre-1950 treaties and agreements through which princely states integrated into India — a deliberate choice to keep these politically sensitive, foundational integration agreements out of ordinary litigation, treating them as matters for political/executive resolution rather than judicial determination.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article is now primarily of historical and specialised legal significance — most disputes it was designed to keep out of court trace back to the specific circumstances of India's 1947-50 territorial integration, a largely settled chapter of the country's constitutional history.

Read alongside this one

Art. 362 — (Repealed) Rights of Rulers of Indian States

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 363

Does this bar apply to modern-day agreements between the Union and states?

No — this Article specifically covers pre-Constitution (before 26 January 1950) treaties and agreements with former princely state Rulers, not the ordinary Union-State legal relationship governed by the rest of the Constitution today.

← PreviousArticle 362: (Repealed) Rights of Rulers of Indian States Next →Article 363A: Recognition Granted to Rulers of Indian States to Cease and Privy Purses to Be Abolished

The text above reproduces Article 363 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.