Article 36 of the Constitution of India, Interpretation, State Policy 

Article 36 comes under Part IV of the Constitution of India and talks about the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Directive Principle of State Policy promotes the idea of a “Welfare State” and establishes a social and economic democracy in the country. In this article, we are going to cover Article 36, its interpretation and its significance as well.  

Article 36 of the Indian Constitution Interpretation

Article 36 states – “In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, “the State” has the same meaning as in Part III.” 

Article 36 of the Constitution of India gives the definition of ‘State’ for the purpose of DPSPs. This definition includes: 

• The Government and Parliament of India
• The Government and Legislature of each state
• All local or other authorities within the territory of India or
•  Under the control of the Indian government 

Directive Principles of State Policy 

Directive Principles of State Policy act as the main principles for the Central and State Governments to work towards maintaining a fair and just society. It is important to note that DPSP are not enforceable by Courts unlike the Fundamental Rights. The main objective of DPSP is to promote welfare of the public and secure –

• Social justice
• Economic justice
• Political justice

The DPSP are further divided into –

• Socialistic Principles: Articles 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A and 47
• Liberal-Intellectual Principles: Articles 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, and 51
• Gandhian Principles: Articles 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, and 48

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