Question

Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of ‘State' under Article 12 of the Constitution of India?

• A. Government of India
• B. Government of States
• C. Private Schools
• D. Municipal Authorities

Hint:

Article 12 includes government bodies, legislatures, local authorities and other authorities, but purely private bodies are not automatically State.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Article 12 defines the term “State” for the purpose of Fundamental Rights. This definition is important because Fundamental Rights are generally enforceable against the State.

Step 1: Read the scope of Article 12.
Article 12 includes the Government and Parliament of India, Government and Legislature of each State, local authorities and other authorities within India or under the control of the Government of India. \[ \text{Article 12} \Rightarrow \text{Government + Legislature + Local authorities + Other authorities} \]

Step 2: Check the given options.
Government of India is included.
Government of States is included.
Municipal authorities are local authorities, so they are included.

Step 3: Identify the option not included.
Private schools are not automatically included in the definition of State under Article 12 unless they satisfy specific tests of deep and pervasive governmental control. Therefore, the correct answer is Private Schools.