What is Article 29?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Article 29(1): Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.
- 2.
Article 29(2): No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.
- 3.
Protects both religious and linguistic minorities.
- 4.
Guarantees the right to preserve one's own culture and language.
- 5.
Prevents discrimination in state-funded educational institutions based on religion, race, caste, or language.
- 6.
The right is available to all citizens whether they belong to the majority or minority community.
- 7.
This article aims to promote cultural pluralism and prevent cultural homogenization.
- 8.
The scope of 'culture' is broad and includes all aspects of social life.
Visual Insights
Article 29 vs Article 30: A Comparison
Compares Article 29 and Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, highlighting their key provisions and differences.
| Feature | Article 29 | Article 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects the interests of any section of citizens having a distinct language, script or culture. | Grants rights to all minorities (religious or linguistic) to establish and administer educational institutions. |
| Beneficiaries | Available to all citizens, whether belonging to the majority or minority community. | Available only to minorities (religious or linguistic). |
| Rights Guaranteed | Right to conserve one's distinct language, script or culture; Protection against discrimination in state-maintained educational institutions. | Right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. |
| Nature of Right | Cultural and Educational Right | Educational Right |
Recent Developments
5 developmentsLegal challenges related to the interpretation and application of Article 29 in various contexts.
Debates on the balance between the rights of minorities and the rights of the majority.
Concerns about the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures.
Efforts to promote multilingualism and intercultural understanding.
Judicial pronouncements on the scope and limitations of Article 29.