Home The Constitution Part III Article 31C

Art. 31C Part III: Fundamental Rights

Saving of Laws Giving Effect to Certain Directive Principles

Exact text — Constitution of India

Notwithstanding anything contained in article 13, no law giving effect to the policy of the State towards securing [the principles specified in clause (b) or clause (c) of article 39] shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by article 14 or article 19...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article protects laws implementing Article 39(b) and (c) — the Directive Principles about equitable distribution of resources and preventing concentration of wealth — from being struck down for violating Articles 14 or 19. Originally, the 42nd Amendment (1976) tried to expand this to cover ALL Directive Principles and exclude judicial review entirely, but the Supreme Court's 1980 Minerva Mills ruling struck that expansion down, restoring the narrower original scope.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article represents the constitutional balancing act between individual rights (Part III) and social-justice goals (Part IV) — it shows the Constitution deliberately makes room for redistributive economic policy, but within limits the Supreme Court has firmly held Parliament cannot erase entirely.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of IndiaAIR 1980 SC 1789 — Struck down the 42nd Amendment's attempt to extend this Article to ALL Directive Principles and exclude judicial review, holding the balance between Parts III and IV is itself part of the Constitution's basic structure. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 39 — Certain Principles of Policy Art. 14 — Equality Before Law

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 31C

Does this mean any economic policy law is immune from Article 14/19 challenges?

No — only laws specifically implementing Article 39(b) and (c)'s particular goals (equitable resource distribution, preventing wealth concentration), not economic legislation generally.

← PreviousArticle 31B: Validation of Certain Acts and Regulations Next →Article 31D: (Repealed) Saving of Laws Respecting Anti-National Activities

The text above reproduces Article 31C 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.