Constitutional bodies are those created directly by the Constitution itself. They get their powers and duties from specific articles. Knowing these bodies and their related articles is very useful for the polity section of competitive exams.
Meaning of Constitutional Body
A body mentioned in the Constitution is called a constitutional body. To change such a body, a constitutional amendment is needed. This makes them different from statutory bodies created by ordinary law.
Major Constitutional Bodies
- Election Commission of India - Article 324.
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - Article 315.
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) - Article 148.
- Finance Commission - Article 280.
- Attorney General of India - Article 76.
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More Constitutional Bodies
- National Commission for SCs - Article 338.
- National Commission for STs - Article 338A.
- National Commission for Backward Classes - Article 338B (added by 102nd Amendment).
- Advocate General of the State - Article 165.
- State Public Service Commission - Article 315.
Difference from Statutory Bodies
Bodies like NITI Aayog (executive body), the NHRC and the CBI are not constitutional bodies. They are created by laws or resolutions, not directly by the Constitution.
Quick Revision Points
- Constitutional bodies are created by the Constitution itself.
- Election Commission - Article 324.
- UPSC - Article 315.
- CAG - Article 148.
- Finance Commission - Article 280.
- Attorney General - Article 76.
- NITI Aayog and CBI are not constitutional bodies.