Article 12 – Definition of the "State" | Fundamental Rights

Article 12 – Definition of the "State" | Fundamental Rights

Article 12 – Definition of the "State" (Part III: Fundamental Rights) 🔑 Why Article 12 is Important? It tells us who can be challenged in court if Fundamental Rights are violated. So, knowing what is meant by “State” is the first step before applying Fundamental Rights. 📜 Text of Article 12 (Simplified) "The State includes: Government & Parliament of India Government & Legislature of each State All local or other authorities within India All authorities under control of the Government of India, even if they are outside India." ✅ Example 1: 🔹 Situation: A municipality makes a rule that street vendors from a particular caste are not allowed to set up stalls. ❌ Why it’s Wrong: This is discrimination based on caste . Violates Article 14 (Equality before Law) and Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination). 🔍 Who Made the Rule? A Municipality → This is a "Local Authority" → Covered under “State” in Article 12 . ✅ What You Can Do: You can go to High Court (Article 226) o…