What is Article 35 of Indian constitution |
Article 35 of the Indian Constitution empowers only the Parliament (not state legislatures) to make laws to give effect to certain fundamental rights, especially those related to equality and protection of certain groups.
📜 Text of Article 35 (Simplified)
Only Parliament has the power to make laws regarding:
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Restrictions on fundamental rights for certain groups (like armed forces, police, etc.)
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Laws for implementing special provisions for backward classes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes (SCs/STs)
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Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
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Abolition of titles (Article 18)
✅ What Powers Are Reserved for Parliament Under Article 35?
Related Article | What Parliament Can Do |
---|---|
Article 16(3) | Prescribe residence-based qualifications for government jobs |
Article 33 | Limit fundamental rights of armed forces and police |
Article 34 | Protect people taking actions during martial law |
Article 17 | Make laws to punish untouchability |
Article 18(3) | Make laws to abolish titles and prevent Indians from accepting foreign titles |
🔍 Why Is Article 35 Important?
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Ensures uniformity across India in matters of national importance.
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Prevents states from making different or conflicting laws about fundamental rights.
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Protects weaker sections (like SCs, STs, and backward classes) with national-level laws.
🧠 Example Laws Made Under Article 35
Law Name | Purpose |
---|---|
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 | To enforce Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) |
The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 | To protect scheduled castes and tribes |
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) | Limits fundamental rights under Article 33 |
📌 Summary of Article 35
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power given to | Only Parliament |
Applies to | Articles 16(3), 17, 18(3), 33, and 34 |
Purpose | To make special laws affecting fundamental rights |
States' power | Not allowed to make such laws |
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