Article 47 of Indian Constitution, falling under the Directive Principles of State Policy, places a responsibility on the State to work towards improving public health, raising nutritional standards, and enhancing the overall standard of living. It further directs the State to take measures to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and harmful drugs, except when required for medicinal purposes. This provision reflects the constitutional vision of promoting a healthier society and underscores the State\u2019s role in safeguarding public well-being.<\/p>\n
The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.<\/p>\n
The core aim of Article 47 of Indian Constitution is to ensure that the State actively advances public welfare by improving nutrition, raising living standards, and strengthening public health, while regulating the use of harmful substances.<\/p>\n
In line with this directive, the State is expected to formulate and implement policies that:<\/p>\n
Enhance the nutritional intake of the population<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Promote food security<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Improve living conditions to ensure a better quality of life<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Strengthen preventive healthcare, disease control, and public health infrastructure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Ensure equitable access to medical services<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Article 47 calls upon the State to restrict the production, sale, and consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs, except when required for medicinal purposes.<\/p>\n
The Supreme Court, in State of Kerala v. N. M. Thomas (1976), emphasized the importance of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in guiding the State\u2019s governance objectives. The judgment underscored their role in promoting public welfare and shaping the policy framework of the nation.<\/p>\n
In Vincent Panikurlangara v. Union of India (1987), the Court reaffirmed the State\u2019s responsibility under Article 47 to safeguard public health. It stressed the necessity of adopting regulatory measures to control the production, distribution, and consumption of substances harmful to health.<\/p>\n