Safeguard Public Property and Abjure Violence
(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
What this Article actually means
How it shows up in everyday life
This duty is the moral backdrop to the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, which makes it a specific criminal offence to damage public property — relevant during protests, riots, or bandhs where public infrastructure like buses or government buildings are sometimes targeted.
Laws and mechanisms that put this Article into practice
Criminalises causing damage to public property, with courts sometimes ordering compensation from those responsible for such damage during protests or riots.
Read alongside this one
Quick answers about Article 51A(i)
Can protesters be held liable for damaging public property?
The text above reproduces Article 51A(i) 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.