Current Affairs - Art and Culture - Discussion

Article 12 of the Indian Constitution defines the term ‘State’ under Part III, which deals with Fundamental Rights. On 6th November 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Book Trust (NBT) qualifies as a ‘State’ under Article 12 because of the Central Government's deep and pervasive control over its administration, finances and governing structure. The judgment was delivered by a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih. The Court observed that government control over the Trust extends to appointments, management, financial matters and decision-making. This recognition allows Fundamental Rights to be enforced against the NBT.