Part IX of Indian Constitution: Panchayati Raj System & Local Governance (Articles 243-243O)

Part 9 of the Indian Constitution is related to the Panchayati Raj System and Local Governance from Article 243- 243 O .

Part 9 of Indian Constitution : Overview

Part 9 of Indian Constitution, inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, provides the constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj and local self-government in rural India. It covers Articles 243 to 243-O and lays down the structure, powers, and functions of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

The part mandates the creation of Gram Sabhas, outlines the process for elections to Panchayats, and ensures reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, promoting inclusive governance. Part IX of Indian Constitution also empowers Panchayats with financial authority, including the power to levy taxes and receive grants-in-aid from the state. To support this, Article 243-I establishes a State Finance Commission to enhance the financial viability of Panchayats and strengthen grassroots democracy in India. 

Download 5 Key Takeaways on Part 9 of Indian Constitution PDF

Following is a brief scheme of Part IX of Indian Constitution:

Part	Articles	Description
Part IX	Article 243	Definitions
	Article 243A	Gram Sabha
	Article 243B	Constitution of Panchayats
	Article 243C	Composition of Panchayats
	Article 243D	Reservation of seats
	Article 243E	Duration of Panchayats, etc
	Article 243F	Disqualifications for membership
	Article 243G	Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
	Article 243H	Powers to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Panchayats
	Article 243I	Constitution of Finance Commission to review financial position
	Article 243J	Audit of accounts of Panchayats
	Article 243K	Elections to the Panchayats
	Article 243L	Application to Union territories
	Article 243M	Part not to apply to certain areas
	Article 243N	Continuance of existing laws and Panchayats
	Article 243O	Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters

Here are few landmark cases related to Part IX of the Indian Constitution -

1. Kishan Singh Tomar v. Municipal Corporation of the City of Ahmedabad (2006) :
   The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of timely elections to Panchayats, as mandated under Article 243-E of the Constitution. The Court held that State Election Commissions must ensure free and fair elections within the constitutionally prescribed term. The case reinforced the democratic intent of Part 9 of Indian Constitution, which provides for local self-governance through Panchayati Raj institutions.
2. Thirtha Gowda v. State of Karnataka (2003):
   This case dealt with the reservation of seats for women in Panchayats under Article 243-D . The Karnataka High Court upheld the constitutional validity of reservation for women ruling that it promotes inclusive governance and social justice at the grassroots level. The judgment highlighted the role of Part 9 in empowering weaker sections and ensuring equal political participation in rural India.