Home The Constitution Part VI Article 177

Art. 177 Part VI: The States

Rights of Ministers as Respects the Houses

Exact text — Constitution of India

Every Minister and the Advocate-General for a State shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, the Legislative Assembly of the State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, both Houses, and to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, any committee of the Legislature of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this article be entitled to vote.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

The state-level mirror of Article 88 — state Ministers and the Advocate-General can speak and participate in either House's proceedings (in states with a Legislative Council) regardless of which specific House they're actually a member of, though without voting rights unless they're an actual member of that House.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why a state Minister who happens to be a Legislative Council member (rather than an Assembly member) can still actively participate in Assembly debates defending government policy, mirroring the same cross-House flexibility Union Ministers enjoy.

Read alongside this one

Art. 88 — Rights of Ministers and the Attorney-General as Respects Houses

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 177

Can the Advocate-General vote in the State Legislature?

No — like Ministers without actual membership of a particular House, the Advocate-General can speak and participate but has no voting rights under this Article.

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The text above reproduces Article 177 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.