What is Article 366 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 366: Definitions In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the followingexpressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned
📅 Part XIX – Miscellaneous
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Article Number

366

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Part XIX – Miscellaneous

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Bare Acts Text

Article 366: Definitions

  • In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the following
    expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, that is to say—
  • (1) “agricultural income” means agricultural income as defined for the purposes of the enactments relating to Indian income-tax;
  • (2) “an Anglo-Indian” means a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born within such territory of parents habitually resident therein and not established there for temporary purposes only;
  • (3) “article” means an article of this Constitution;
  • (4) “borrow” includes the raising of money by the grant of annuities, and “loan” shall be construed accordingly;
  • (5) “clause” means a clause of the article in which the expression occurs;
  • (6) “corporation tax” means any tax on income, so far as that tax is payable by companies and is a tax in the case of which the following conditions are fulfilled:—
    • (a) that it is not chargeable in respect of agricultural income;
    • (b) that no deduction in respect of the tax paid by companies is, by any enactments which may apply to the tax, authorised to be made from dividends payable by the companies to individuals;
    • (c) that no provision exists for taking the tax so paid into account in computing for the purposes
      of Indian income-tax the total income of individuals receiving such dividends, or in computing the
      Indian income-tax payable by, or refundable to, such individuals;
  • (7) “corresponding Province”, “corresponding Indian State” or “corresponding State” means in cases of doubt such Province, Indian State or State as may be determined by the President to be the corresponding Province, the corresponding Indian State or the corresponding State, as the case may be, for the particular purpose in question;
  • (8) “debt” includes any liability in respect of any obligation to repay capital sums by way of
    annuities and any liability under any guarantee, and “debt charges” shall be construed accordingly;
  • (9) “estate duty” means a duty to be assessed on or by reference to the principal value, ascertained in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed by or under laws made by Parliament or the Legislature of a State relating to the duty, of all property passing upon death or deemed, under the provisions of the said laws, so to pass;
  • (10) “existing law” means any law, Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule or regulation passed or made before the commencement of this Constitution by any Legislature, authority or person having power to make such a law, Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule or regulation;
  • (11) “Federal Court” means the Federal Court constituted under the Government of India Act, 1935;
  • (12) “goods” includes all materials, commodities, and articles;
  • (13) “guarantee” includes any obligation undertaken before the commencement of this Constitution
    to make payments in the event of the profits of an undertaking falling short of a specified amount;
  • (14) “High Court” means any Court which is deemed for the purposes of this Constitution to be a High Court for any State and includes—
    • (a) any Court in the territory of India constituted or reconstituted under this Constitution as a High Court, and
    • (b) any other Court in the territory of India which may be declared by Parliament by law to be a High Court for all or any of the purposes of this Constitution;
  • (15) “Indian State” means any territory which the Government of the Dominion of India recognised as such a State;
  • (16) “Part” means a Part of this Constitution;
  • (17) “pension” means a pension, whether contributory or not, of any kind whatsoever payable to or in respect of any person, and includes retired pay so payable; a gratuity so payable and any sum or sums so payable by way of the return, with or without interest thereon or any other addition thereto, of subscriptions to a provident fund;
  • (18) “Proclamation of Emergency” means a Proclamation issued under clause (1) of article 352;
  • (19) “public notification” means a notification in the Gazette of India, or, as the case may be, the Official Gazette of a State;
  • (20) “railway” does not include—
    • (a) a tramway wholly within a municipal area, or
    • (b) any other line of communication wholly situate in one State and declared by Parliament by law not to be a railway;
  • (23) “Schedule” means a Schedule to this Constitution;
  • (24) “Scheduled Castes” means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within such castes, races or tribes as are deemed under article 341 to be Scheduled Castes for the purposes of this Constitution;
  • (25) “Scheduled Tribes” means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution;
  • (26) “securities” includes stock;
  • (27) “sub-clause” means a sub-clause of the clause in which the expression occurs;
  • (28) “taxation” includes the imposition of any tax or impost, whether general or local or special, and “tax” shall be construed accordingly;
  • (29) “tax on income” includes a tax in the nature of an excess profits tax;
  • (29A) “tax on the sale or purchase of goods” includes—
    • (a) a tax on the transfer, otherwise than in pursuance of a contract, of property in any goods for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration;
    • (b) a tax on the transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract;
    • (c) a tax on the delivery of goods on hire-purchase or any system of payment by installments;
    • (d) a tax on the transfer of the right to use any goods for any purpose (whether or not for a specified period) for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration;
    • (e) a tax on the supply of goods by any unincorporated association or body of persons to a member thereof for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration;
    • (f) a tax on the supply, by way of or as part of any service or in any other manner whatsoever, of goods, being food or any other article for human consumption or any drink (whether or not intoxicating), where such supply or service, is for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration, and such transfer, delivery or supply of any goods shall be deemed to be a sale of those goods by the person making the transfer, delivery or supply and a purchase of those goods by the person to whom such
      transfer, delivery or supply is made;
  • (30) “Union territory” means any Union territory specified in the First Schedule and includes any other territory comprised within the territory of India but not specified in that Schedule.

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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 366 of the Indian Constitution serves as a key provision for defining specific terms used throughout the Constitution. It provides clarity by assigning meanings to various expressions, ensuring that there is a common understanding of terms in legal and governmental contexts. This article affects numerous stakeholders, including lawmakers, judges, and the general public, by providing a clear framework for interpretation. For instance, definitions like ‘agricultural income’ or ‘Scheduled Castes’ are critical for the application of laws related to taxation and social justice. The article includes terms that are foundational for various legal interpretations and applications, such as ‘corporation tax’ and ‘public notification.’ These definitions help to avoid ambiguity in legal documents and discussions. By specifying what is meant by these terms, Article 366 plays a key role in legal proceedings and governance. For example, understanding what constitutes ‘debt’ or ‘railway’ can have a major impact on economic policies and infrastructure development. Article 366 also reflects the dynamic nature of Indian society, where different groups and economic activities require precise definitions to ensure justice and equity. It impacts how laws are framed and enforced, affecting the lives of millions. For example, the definition of ‘Scheduled Tribes’ helps in ensuring that specific protections and benefits are provided to these communities. Overall, Article 366 acts as a foundational tool for clarity and consistency in the application of the Constitution, influencing various sectors of Indian society.

Historical Context

Article 366 was included in the Constitution of India when it was adopted in 1950, reflecting the need for clarity in legal terms. During the Constituent Assembly debates, members emphasized the importance of having clear definitions to avoid misinterpretations that could lead to legal disputes. The Assembly sought to ensure that terms used in the Constitution were easily understood by both lawmakers and citizens. While Article 366 has not undergone major amendments, its definitions have been referenced in landmark Supreme Court cases, such as the Indira Sawhney case, which underscored the need for clarity regarding Scheduled Castes and Tribes. This relevance in legal contexts continues to be major as society evolves.

Key Features

– Article 366 defines terms for clarity within the Constitution.
– It includes definitions for economic terms like ‘agricultural income.’
– The article specifies legal terms such as ‘debt’ and ‘loan.’
– It provides meanings relevant to social justice concepts like ‘Scheduled Castes.’
– The definitions help in legal interpretations and governance practices.

Importance & Impact

– Clarifies complex legal terms for a better understanding and application.
– Ensures accurate enforcement of laws across various sectors and professions.
– Facilitates social justice through defined categories like Scheduled Tribes and Castes.
– Minimizes ambiguity in legal expressions, aiding judicial clarity and fairness.
– Influences taxation policies and economic definitions that impact citizens’ lives.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 366 of the Indian Constitution: 1) It provides definitions for specific legal terms used throughout the Constitution. 2) It has been amended multiple times since its adoption in 1950. 3) It does not cover terms related to taxation. Which statements are correct? A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 only C) 1 and 3 only D) All of the above. Explain your reasoning for the chosen answer.

Answer

The correct answer is A) 1 only. Article 366 provides definitions for specific legal terms used in the Constitution, ensuring clarity. Option B is incorrect as it has not been frequently amended. Option C is wrong because it does cover taxation-related terms. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 366 defines key terms in the Constitution for clarity.
✓ It clarifies complex legal definitions to aid understanding and application.
✓ The article supports social justice initiatives by defining marginalized groups.
✓ Minimizes ambiguity in legal language, enhancing judicial clarity.
✓ Article 366 influences various aspects of governance and economic policies.

FAQs

Article 366 defines various terms used in the Constitution, ensuring clarity in legal contexts. For example, it clarifies what is meant by terms like ‘agricultural income’ and ‘Scheduled Castes,’ which are pivotal for law application. This clarity helps avoid confusion in legal proceedings and ensures that laws are applied correctly to all citizens.

Article 366 impacts social justice by providing clear definitions for groups like ‘Scheduled Castes’ and ‘Scheduled Tribes.’ These definitions ensure that these communities receive the rights and protections they are entitled to under various laws. By establishing clear categories, it helps maintain equity and access to resources for marginalized groups in society.

Since its adoption in 1950, Article 366 has not been significantly amended, maintaining its original definitions. Its clarity has been reinforced through various Supreme Court rulings, illustrating its relevance in contemporary legal contexts. The definitions provided continue to play a key role in interpreting laws and ensuring social justice in modern India.

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Pramod Pal Founder and Editor-in-Chief

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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