📜 Article 261 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Public acts, records and judicial proceedings
Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States
Chapter II – Administrative Relations
🔍 Text Summary of Article 261:
Article 261 ensures that laws, public records, and court decisions of one State are recognized and respected in all other States throughout India.
🧠 Key Clauses of Article 261:
| 🔢 Clause | 📘 Provision |
|---|---|
| (1) | Full faith and credit must be given to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every State across the entire territory of India. |
| (2) | These records and proceedings are provable by certified copies, as prescribed by law. |
| (3) | Final judgments or orders from civil courts in one State are enforceable in any other State, like judgments of local courts. |
🧪 Example Scenarios:
| 📄 Scenario | ⚖️ Effect under Article 261 |
|---|---|
| A civil judgment is passed by a court in Tamil Nadu | It can be enforced in Uttar Pradesh under Clause (3) |
| A marriage certificate issued in Kerala | Must be recognized in Delhi, under Clause (1) |
| A property record from Rajasthan presented in court in Goa | Admissible via certified copy under Clause (2) |
🧩 Purpose of Article 261:
✅ Promotes legal unity and smooth interstate transactions
✅ Supports federal cooperation
✅ Ensures judicial consistency across States
🔁 Related Articles & Laws:
| 📘 Law / Article | 📌 Topic |
|---|---|
| CPC Sec 44A | Execution of decrees from foreign courts |
| Indian Evidence Act | Proving documents in court |
| Article 141 | Supreme Court decisions binding nationwide |
🧠 In Simple Words:
Article 261 makes sure that State laws, records, and court rulings are respected across India, and can be used or enforced in any other State without repeating the entire process.
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