What is Article 147 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 147: Interpretation In this Chapter and in Chapter V of Part VI, references to any substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this
📅 Part V – The Union
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📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

147

part

Part V – The Union

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 147: Interpretation

  • 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 (including any enactment amending or supplementing that Act), or of any Order in Council or order made thereunder, or of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, or of any order made thereunder.

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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 147 of the Indian Constitution plays a key role in legal interpretation. It clarifies how substantial questions of law should be approached in the context of this Constitution, particularly in relation to the Government of India Act of 1935 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This article ensures that when courts or authorities deal with major legal matters, they consider historical laws and orders that shaped India’s governance. This is key for maintaining consistency in legal interpretations and applying historical context to current issues. The article affects legal practitioners, lawmakers, and judges by guiding them on how to interpret the Constitution in light of past legislation. For instance, if a legal question arises about a state law, one must also look at how similar questions were handled under the Government of India Act. This helps in understanding the evolution of law and the intent behind various legislative changes over time. It also ensures that the interpretations of law remain relevant and grounded in the historical context of India’s legal framework. There are no exceptions stated in Article 147. It applies to all substantial questions of law regarding the Constitution and related acts. In real-world scenarios, this can influence landmark cases where the interpretation of laws has direct implications on governance, individual rights, and legislative processes. The Supreme Court often refers to this article when making decisions that require deep legal understanding and historical perspective, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with both contemporary and historical legal principles.

Historical Context

It clarifies how substantial questions of law should be approached in the context of this Constitution, particularly in relation to the Government of India Act of 1935 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This article ensures that when courts or authorities deal with major legal matters, they consider historical laws and orders that shaped India’s governance. This is key for maintaining consistency in legal interpretations and applying historical context to current issues. The article affects legal practitioners, lawmakers, and judges by guiding them on how to interpret the Constitution in light of past legislation.

Key Features

– Article 147 deals with the interpretation of substantial legal questions.
– It includes references to the Government of India Act, 1935.
– The article promotes consistency in legal interpretations over time.
– It applies to the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and related orders.
– Judicial bodies use this article to guide legal decisions and interpretations.

Importance & Impact

– Legal practitioners reference Article 147 for case law interpretations
– Historical context enhances the relevance of current legal issues
– Judges rely on this article to maintain legal consistency
– Understanding this article aids in grasping complex legal concepts
– It supports the evolution of law by connecting past and present.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements about Article 147: 1. Article 147 clarifies that the Supreme Court’s interpretive jurisdiction covers the Government of India Act 1935. 2. Article 147 was primarily relevant in the transitional period after 1950. 3. Article 147 expanded the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to foreign law questions. 4. The provision ensures that pre-Constitution legal frameworks could be interpreted by the Supreme Court. Which statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer

Answer: b) 1, 2 and 4 only Statement 1 is correct — Article 147 covers Government of India Act 1935 interpretation. Statement 2 is correct — the provision had primary relevance in the post-1950 transition period. Statement 3 is wrong — Article 147 does not deal with foreign law; it specifically relates to the 1935 Act and Orders under it applicable in India. Statement 4 is correct — it enables constitutional interpretation of pre-Constitution legal frameworks.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 147 aids in interpreting substantial legal questions.
✓ It connects current laws with historical legal context.
✓ Judicial bodies rely on this article for consistency.
✓ Legal practitioners use it to guide their interpretations.
✓ The article promotes understanding of complex legal issues.

FAQs

Article 147 of the Indian Constitution plays a key role in legal interpretation. It clarifies how substantial questions of law should be approached in the context of this Constitution, particularly in relation to the Government of India Act of 1935 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This article ensures that when courts or authorities deal with major legal matters, they consider historical laws and orders that shaped India’s governance.

This helps in understanding the evolution of law and the intent behind various legislative changes over time. It also ensures that the interpretations of law remain relevant and grounded in the historical context of India’s legal framework. There are no exceptions stated in Article 147. Article 147 of the Indian Constitution plays a key role in legal interpretation.

It applies to all substantial questions of law regarding the Constitution and related acts. In real-world scenarios, this can influence landmark cases where the interpretation of laws has direct implications on governance, individual rights, and legislative processes. The Supreme Court often refers to this article when making decisions that require deep legal understanding and historical perspective, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with both contemporary and historical legal principles.

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Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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