Which one of the following is the most accurate meaning of the term ‘t

Which one of the following is the most accurate meaning of the term ‘the State’, as defined in Part-III of the Constitution of India ?

The Union Government, all State Governments and all local authorities within the territory of India
The Parliament of India and State Legislatures
The Union Government and the Parliament of India
The Union Government, all State Governments, Parliament of India and all State Legislatures and all local or other authorities within the territory of India
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023
Part III of the Constitution of India (Fundamental Rights) defines ‘the State’ in Article 12. According to Article 12, the term “the State” includes:
– The Government and Parliament of India
– The Government and the Legislature of each of the States
– All local or other authorities within the territory of India
– All local or other authorities under the control of the Government of India.
Option D provides the most comprehensive list that aligns precisely with the definition given in Article 12, including the Union Government, all State Governments, Parliament, State Legislatures, and all local or other authorities.
– The definition of ‘the State’ under Article 12 is crucial for understanding against whom fundamental rights are enforceable.
– The definition is broad, encompassing not just the executive and legislative branches at the Union and State levels, but also local bodies and other authorities exercising governmental power.
The term “other authorities” has been subject to judicial interpretation over time. The courts have held that ‘other authorities’ can include statutory and non-statutory bodies that have the power to make laws, rules, or regulations, or which are under the deep and pervasive control of the government. Examples include public sector undertakings, universities, etc., when they act as an instrumentality of the State.