Home The Constitution Part V Article 147

Art. 147 Part V: The Union

Interpretation

Exact text — Constitution of India

In this Chapter and in Chapter V of Part VI, references to any substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution shall be construed as including references to any substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Government of India Act, 1935... or any Order in Council or order made thereunder, or of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, or of any order made thereunder...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A technical interpretive Article — it clarifies that 'substantial questions of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution' (a phrase used to trigger the 5-judge Constitution Bench requirement and various other important provisions) also includes similar substantial questions about interpreting the older, pre-1950 Government of India Act, 1935 and Indian Independence Act, 1947, where those older instruments remain legally relevant to a case.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This ensures that genuinely significant interpretive questions about India's pre-Constitution legal framework — which can still occasionally arise in litigation involving older rights, property, or administrative arrangements — receive the same serious, high-bench-strength treatment as questions about the Constitution itself.

Read alongside this one

Art. 215 — High Courts to Be Courts of Record

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 147

Why would a modern case ever need to interpret a 1935 or 1947 British-era law?

Some ongoing legal matters — particularly around older property rights, administrative succession, or historical agreements — can still occasionally require interpreting these pre-Constitution instruments, given Article 372's continuity provision keeping many old laws technically in force.

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The text above reproduces Article 147 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.