---
title: "Doctrine of Severability: Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The doctrine of severability lets courts strike only the unconstitutional part of a law, keeping the rest valid. Rooted in Article 13, key for UPSC GS2 polity."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/doctrine-of-severability"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The doctrine of severability holds that when a statute is partly unconstitutional, only the offending portion is struck down while the valid remainder continues in force, provided the two are separable.
- What is the constitutional basis of the doctrine of severability in India?
- How does severability differ from the doctrine of eclipse?
- What test did R.M.D. Chamarbaugwalla establish for severability?
- Does an express severability clause guarantee that the valid part survives?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The doctrine of severability holds that when a statute is partly unconstitutional, only the offending portion is struck down while the valid remainder continues in force, provided the two are separable.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Doctrine of Severability like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Doctrine of Severability

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Doctrine of Severability](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Doctrine%20of%20Severability%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980), the Supreme Court severed and struck down Sections 4 and 55 of the Forty-second Amendment Act while upholding the rest of the amendment.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Doctrine of Severability beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.