Article 47
“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.”
📖 Constitutional Text
⚖️ Core Interpretation
Article 47 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. Though not enforceable by any court, it imposes a fundamental moral obligation upon the State to:
- 📈 Raise nutrition levels and improve the standard of living.
- 🏥 Improve public health as a primary duty.
- 🚫 Endeavour to bring about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs (except medicinal purposes).
This article reflects India's commitment to a welfare state and has inspired landmark policies such as the National Health Policy, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, NFSA, and various state-level prohibition laws.
📊 DPSP
Non-justiciable but fundamental governance principles
Non-justiciable but fundamental governance principles
🍛 100+ crore
Beneficiaries under food security schemes
Beneficiaries under food security schemes
🏛️ 4+ States
With total/partial prohibition influenced by Art.47
With total/partial prohibition influenced by Art.47
🌟 Significance & Modern Relevance
Article 47 acts as a guiding star for public health legislation and judicial interpretation. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly referred to Article 47 to uphold the right to health (derived from Article 21) and to enforce stringent regulations on tobacco, alcohol, and food safety.
⚕️ Right to Health
🥗 Nutrition Security
🚭 Prohibition of Intoxicants
🧼 Sanitation & Hygiene
📌 Key Judicial Milestones
- State of Punjab v. Mohinder Singh Chawla (1997) – SC held that the State has a duty under Art.47 to phase out liquor consumption.
- Consumer Education & Research Centre v. Union of India (1995) – Right to health and medical care is a fundamental right, reinforced by Art.47.
- Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) – Public health & environment nexus drawn from Art.47.
🏛️ Policy Impact
From the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to POSHAN Abhiyaan, every major health and nutrition initiative draws strength from the vision of Article 47. The recent Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 also echoes the spirit of public health improvement.
💡 Did you know? Article 47 has been cited in debates on liquor bans in Bihar, Gujarat, and Nagaland, reflecting its enduring relevance in state policy.