What is the meaning of the word "Shall" in the Constitution? | Article 74 | UNR Rao vs Indira Gandhi

Does the word “shall” always mean mandatory in the Constitution? In this episode of Between the Lines, we examine the landmark Supreme Court case U.N.R. Rao v. Indira Gandhi (1971) to understand the constitutional meaning of the word “shall” in Article 74(1) of the Constitution of India. At first glance, “shall” appears to be a simple word. But in constitutional law, its interpretation can determine how executive power functions and whether the President of India can act without a Council of Ministers after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. In this judgment, the Supreme Court clarified why Article 74(1) requires a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President, even when Parliament has been dissolved. Indian Kanoon What you'll learn: The meaning of “shall” in constitutional interpretation Article 74(1) explained U.N.R. Rao v. Indira Gandhi (1971) President and Council of Ministers under the Constitution Executive power after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha How a single word can shape constitutional governance This video is designed for LL.B. students, NLU students, CLAT aspirants, Judiciary aspirants, UPSC Polity students, and anyone interested in Constitutional Law and the Constitution of India. If you enjoy thoughtful discussions on constitutional law, landmark Supreme Court cases, and Indian polity, subscribe to Between the Lines for more Constitution explainers. #indianconstitution #Article74 #UNRRao #indiragandhi #constitutionallaw #supremecourt #presidentofindia #councilofministers #indianpolity #llb #nlu #clat #judiciary #upsc #betweenthelines #constitution #constitutionallaw #governance #government