Article 48 of Indian Constitution - Detailed Analysis
IMPORTANT LINKS
Part 4 of the Indian Constitution
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Overview |
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Name of the Article |
Article 48 - Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry |
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Part of the Constitutional Article |
Part IV |
Article 48 of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy under Part IV. It directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. This provision aims to promote the welfare of the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors through advancements in methods and techniques. It also specifically calls for the preservation and improvement of certain breeds of animals and prohibits the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.
Interpretation of Article 48 of Indian Constitution
Article 48 of Indian Constitution states that “The State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”
According to Article 48 the State is directed to adopt modern and scientific methods to organize both agriculture and animal husbandry. The article also highlights the importance of preservation and improvisation of the breeds of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle. Article 48 prohibits slaughter of certain animals particularly cows and other cattle used for milking or draught purposes.
Judicial Pronouncements related to Article 48 of Indian Constitution
In Mohd. Hanif Quareshi vs. State of Bihar (1958) the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of laws banning cow slaughter. The Court highlighted the importance of Article 48 in the protection of cattle.
The Supreme Court in State of Gujarat vs Mirzapur Moti Kureshi (2005) affirmed the prohibition on cow slaughter. The Court highlighted that Article 48 serves to preserve and improve cattle breeds for agricultural development.
Conclusion
Article 48 underlined the responsibility of the State in promotion of scientific and modern approaches in agriculture and animal husbandry. However, as a Directive Principle, its enforcement remains a matter of government policy and is not justiciable in a court of law.
FAQs about Article 48 of Indian Constitution
Is Article 48 enforceable by law?
No, Article 48 is not legally enforceable but it serves as a guideline for government policy-making.
What is the primary objective of Article 48?
Article 48 directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and focus on preservation and improvement of the breeds of cattle and prohibits the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle.
Under which part of the Indian Constitution Article 48 is mentioned?
Article 48 is mentioned in Part IV of the Indian Constitution.
On which principle Article 48 is based?
Article 48 aligns with Gandhian ideals of self-sufficiency and local governance.