Question

Q. Which of the following can be included in the definition of “State” as per Article 12?

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 1 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 2 only

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

The term ‘State’ has been used in different provisions concerning fundamental rights. Hence, Article 12 has defined the term for the purposes of Part III. According to it, the State includes the following:

1. Government and Parliament of India, that is, executive and legislative organs of the Union government.
2. Government and legislature of states, that is, executive and legislative organs of state government.
3. All local authorities, that is, municipalities, panchayats, district boards, improvement trusts, etc.
4. All other authorities, that is, statutory or non-statutory authorities like LIC, ONGC, SAIL, etc.

Thus, State has been defined in a wider sense so as to include all its agencies. Thus, Public Sector Banks, Water Supply Boards and District Planning Boards fall under the definition of 'State'.