Home The Constitution Part III Article 19

Art. 19 Part III: Fundamental Rights

Protection of Six Freedoms

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) All citizens shall have the right—(a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions [or co-operative societies]; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

(2) Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall affect the operation of any existing law, or prevent the State from making any law, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

(3) Nothing in sub-clause (b) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India or public order, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause.

(4)–(6) [Similarly allow reasonable restrictions on the freedoms of association (in the interests of sovereignty/integrity, public order or morality), movement and residence (in the interests of the general public or a Scheduled Tribe's interests), and profession/trade (in the interests of the general public, including State monopolies and prescribing qualifications).]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

Article 19 is the Constitution's civil-liberties core — six distinct freedoms for citizens (note: 'citizens' only, unlike Article 14/21 which cover 'any person'), each paired with its own specific set of grounds on which the State can impose 'reasonable restrictions'. Crucially, restrictions aren't automatic just because a listed ground exists — courts independently test whether a restriction is actually 'reasonable' (proportionate, not excessive, rationally connected to the stated goal) — a law citing 'public order' as a justification can still be struck down if it's disproportionate or vague.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the Article behind your right to protest peacefully, start a business, move to another state for work, form a trade union, or speak your mind publicly — and it's also the Article courts weigh whenever a government tries to ban a book, block a website, or restrict a protest, asking whether the restriction is genuinely 'reasonable' or an overreach.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

Shreya Singhal v. Union of IndiaAIR 2015 SC 1523 — Struck down IT Act Section 66A as unconstitutionally vague and a disproportionate restriction on Article 19(1)(a), reaffirming that restrictions must be precise, not just broadly labelled as protecting 'public order'. Verify this case

Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India(2020) 3 SCC 637 — Held that internet shutdowns must satisfy the same 'reasonable restriction' proportionality test as any other Article 19 restriction, and cannot be indefinite or unreviewed. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 14 — Equality Before Law Art. 21 — Protection of Life and Personal Liberty Art. 1 — Name and Territory of the Union

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 19

Do I need police permission to hold a protest?

In most states, yes for public gatherings — you typically need to notify or get permission from the local police/District Magistrate in advance, though an unreasonable blanket refusal can be challenged.

Can the government ban a movie or book under Article 19?

Only via a valid law imposing a 'reasonable restriction' on grounds like public order, decency or morality — an outright, unreasoned ban without following due legal process (like the Cinematograph Act's certification process for films) can be challenged in court.

← PreviousArticle 18: Abolition of Titles Next →Article 20: Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences

The text above reproduces Article 19 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.