Structure:-The Indian Constitution Originally Consisted of 395 Art, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules. But
Structure:-The Indian Constitution Originally Consisted of 395 Art, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules. But
Structure:-The Indian Constitution Originally Consisted of 395 Art, 22 Parts, 8 Schedules. But
Introduction:- The Indian constitution is unique in its content and spirit. The salient features of
the constitution are as follows:-
Structure:- The Indian Constitution originally consisted of 395 Art, 22 parts, 8 Schedules. But
after the Constitution 104th Amendment Act, 2003, the Indian Constitution Consists of 448
Art, 25 parts, 12 Schedules.
Preamble:- The preamble to the constitution is based on the “ objective resolution” drafted and
moved by Pandit Nehru and adopted by constituent assembly. It runs as follows:-
“We THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India in to a SOVERIGN
SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizen:-
Purpose of the Preamble:- The preamble to the constitution is a key to open the minds of
the makers and shows the general purpose for which they made the several provisions in
the constitution. Preamble serves the following purposes:-
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Q2:- Whether preamble can be amended?
Ans:- Supreme Court has held that preamble can be amended subject to the condition that
no amendment is done to the ‘ Basic structure’ of the constitution. The Preamble has been
amended only once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment act, which has added three new
words- Socialistic, Secular and Integrity- to the preamble.
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Meaning of State:- ( Art.12) The state includes:-
The Government and parliament of India
The Government and legislature of each of the states.
All local and other authorities:
o Within the territory of India
o Under the control of the Government of India
All the fundamental rights are available against the state with a few exception.
Some case law:-
Electricity is a board within the meaning of Article 12.
University
Income- Tax department
Corporation when deemed to be state?( Ajay hasia vs. Khalid Mujib)
o If the entire share capital is held by government.
o Financial assistance is provided by the government to meet the entire
expenditure.
o When corporation enjoys a monopoly status.
o When the state is having deep and pervasive control over the affairs of the
corporation.
o If the corporation is discharging public function.
Corporation acting as an agency instrumentality of the government. ( RD Shetty vs. IAA).
Stock Exchange is not a state because it is independent from the government control.
(Satish nayak vs. Cochin Stock Exchange Ltd.)
Fundamental Right
Introduction:- The aim of Fundamental Rights is that certain elementary rights such as right to
life, liberty, freedom of speech and freedom of faith and so on should be regarded as
inviolable under all circumstances and that the shifting majority in legislatures of the country
should not have a free hand in interfering with fundamental rights. Fundamental right is
called the Magna Carta of India.
Rights to Equality
a. Equality before law-Art 14.
b. Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion race, caste, sex or place of Birth
Art 15.
c. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, Art 16.
d. Abolition of untouchability Art 17
e. Abolition of titles, Art 18.
Right to Equality
Equality before Law:-
Art.14 – says that “the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the
equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
Analysis:- Art 14 uses two expressions:-
(1) “Equality before the law; and
(2) Equal Protection of the laws
(1) Equality before law – This concept is taken from British Constitution. The concept of equality
does not mean absolute equality among human beings which is physically no possible to
achieve. It is a concept implying absence of any special privilege by reason of birth, Creed or
the like in favour of any individual, and also the equal subject of all individuals and classes to
the ordinary law of the land.
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In the words of Dr.Jennings- “Equality before the law” means that among equals the law
should be equal and should be equally administered, that like should be treated alike.
Rule of law – The guarantee of „equality before the law‟ is an aspect of what Dicey Calls the
“rule of law” in England. It means that no man is above the law and that every person,
whatever be his rank or conditions, is subject to the jurisdiction of ordinary courts. “Dicey
the Rule of Law has three distinct meaning “
(1) Supremacy of the law
(2) Equality before the flaw
(3) The Constitution is the result of the ordinary law of the land.
(2) Equal Protection of the Laws –
This concept is taken from American constitution. This has been interpreted to mean
subjection to equal law, applying to all in the same circumstances. It only means that all
persons similarly circumstance shall be treated alike both in the privileges conferred and
liabilities imposed by the law equal law should be applied to all in the same situation and
there should be no discrimination between one person and another. The words “any
person” in Art 14 of the constitution denotes that the guarantee of the equal protection of
laws is available to any person which includes any company or association or body of
individuals. The protection of Art 14 extends to both citizens and non-citizens and to natural
persons as well as legal persons. The equality before the law is guaranteed to all without
regard to race, colour or nationality. Corporations being juristic persons are also entitled to
the benefit of Art 14.
Test of Reasonable classification – While Art 14 forbids class legislation; it permits reasonable
classification of persons, objects and transactions by the legislature for the purpose of
achieving specific ends. But classification must not be arbitrary, artificial or evasive”. It must
always rest upon some real and substantial distinction bearing a just and reasonable relation
to the object sought to be achieved by the legislature, classification to be reasonable must
fulfill the following two conditions –
1. the classification must be founded on an “intelligible differentia” which distinguishes
persons or things that are grouped together from others left out of the group.
2. the differentia must have a rational relation to the object sought to be achieved by the
Act. K.Thimmappa v. Chairman Central Board of Directors SBI and Ram Krishna Dalmia
vs. J. Tandulkar
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Prohibition of discrimination on certain grounds:-
Art 15(1) provides that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of:-
Religion
Race
Caste
Sex
Place of birth or
Any of them
Art 15 (2) provides that:- No citizen shall be on above grounds, subject to any disability,
liability, restriction or condition with regard to—
a. access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public
entertainment; or
b. the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort
maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of
the general public.
Exceptions:-
Art 15 (3), (4) and (5) contains exceptions to the general principal laid down under
Art 15 (1) and (2):-
Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special
provision for women and children.
Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special
provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally
backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes.
Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special
provision, by law, for the advancement of any socially and educationally
backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled
Tribes in so far as such special provisions relate to their admission to
educational institutions including private educational institutions,
whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority
educational institution.
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Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment :-( Art-16)
There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to
employment or appointment to any office under the State.
No citizen shall, on grounds only of:-
o religion,
o race,
o caste,
o sex,
o descent,
o place of birth,
o residence, or
o any of them.
be ineligible for, or discriminated against in respect of, any employment or office
under the State.
Exceptions:-
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Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from making any law prescribing, in
regard to a class or classes of employment or appointment to an office under the
Government of, or any local or other authority within, a State or Union territory, any
requirement as to residence within that State or Union territory prior to such
employment or appointment.
Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for the
reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens
which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services
under the State.
Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for
reservation in matters of promotion, with consequential seniority, to any class or
classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes which, in the opinion of the State, are not adequately
represented in the services under the State.
Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any law which provides that the
incumbent of an office in connection with the affairs of any religious or
denominational institution or any member of the governing body thereof shall be a
person professing a particular religion or belonging to a particular denomination.
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Abolition of Untouchability
“Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement
of any disability arising out of “Untouchability” shall be an offence punishable in
accordance with law.
The term “Untouchability” is not defined under the Constitution. However, it refers to
the social disabilities imposed on certain class of person by reason of their birth in
certain caste. However, it does not cover social boycott of a few individuals.
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Abolition of Titles
No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.
No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State.
No person who is not a citizen of India shall, while he holds any office of profit or
trust under the State, accept without the consent of the President any title from any
foreign State.
No person holding any office of profit or trust under the State shall, without the
consent of the President, accept any present, emolument, or office of any kind from
or under any foreign State.
Right to Freedom
Article 19(i) defines six freedoms:-
a. Freedom of speech and expression
b. Freedom of Assembly
c. Freedom to from Association
d. Freedom of Movement
e. Freedom to reside and to settle
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f. Freedom of Profession, occupation, trade or business.
These six freedom are however not absolute, and subject to reasonable restriction
which are as follows:-
i. Security of the State
ii. Friendly relation with foreign states
iii. Public order
iv. Decency and Morality
v. Contempt of Court
vi. Defamation
vii. Incitement to an offence
viii. Sovereignty and Integrity of India
Judicial pronouncement on Right to speech and expression:-
Meaning:- 19(1) (a) Meaning of freedom of speech and expression The
freedom of speech and expression, means the right to speak and to
express one’s opinions by words of mouth. Writing, printing, pictures or
in any other manner. It includes publication also, which includes inherent
freedom of press. The liberty of circulation is vested in liberty of
publication.
Right to know :- the fundamental right principally Principal involved here
is the people’s right to know.
In Prabhu Datt Vs. Union of India – Supreme Court held that right to
know news and information about the functioning of the Govt., is
included in the freedom of Press.
In Union of India Vs. Association for Democratic Reforms– Supreme
Court held that people have right to know about the candidate before
voting. Thus, the law preventing the Election Commission from asking for
a candidate’s wealth, Assets, liabilities education and other such
information is invalid.
In Tata Press Ltd. Vs. M.T.N.L. the Supreme Court held that commercial
speech (Advertisement) is a part of freedom of speech and expression
U/A 19(1) (a).
In Union of India V. Naveen Jindal, The Court held that “Flying National
Flag” is fundamental Right U/A 19(1) (a)
Freedom of Silence – Right not to speak, In Bijoy emmanual Vs. State of
Kerala.
Freedom of the Press - the freedom of press defined in the Indian
Constitution U/A 19(1) (a) In Indian Express newspaper Vs. Union of India,
the Court observed the expression “freedom of the Press” has not been
used in Art 19.
Pre-censorship Invalid – In Ramesh Thapper Vs. State of Madras.
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than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the
commission of the offence.
Double jeopardy:-
No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once. The
protection under this clause is available only in proceedings before a court of law or a
judicial tribunal. In other words, it is not available in proceedings before departmental or
administrative authorities.
Self -Incrimination:- No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness
against himself. It extends to both oral and documentary evidence. It extends to only
criminal proceedings and not to civil proceedings. The benefit is available only when all the
following conditions are satisfied:-
Person must be accused of an offence
There must be compulsion to be witness
Such compulsion should result in his giving evidence against himself.
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Right to food
Right to Marriage. (Lata Singh v. State of U.P.)
Right to Reputation.
Right to Die. In case of Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab “The Constitutional Bench of
Supreme Court held that “right to life” Under Article 21 does not include “right
to die.”
Right to Education-21A
Article 21A declares that state shall provide free and compulsory education to all
children of the age of six to fourteen years in such a manner as the state may decide.
Thus, this provision makes only elementary education a fundamental right and not
higher or professional education. This provision becomes effective from the date of
01.04.2012.
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The detention of person cannot exceed three months unless an advisory
board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.
The grounds of detention should be communicated to the detenue.
The detenue should be afforded an opportunity to make representation
against the detention order.
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Right against exploitation
Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour:- Article 23
prohibits traffic in human beings and other similar forms of forced labour.
This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens. It protects the
individual not only against state but also against the private person.
However, state may impose compulsory service for public purpose i.e military
service or social service.
Prohibition of employment of children in factories etc.:- Article 24 prohibits
the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mine or
other hazardous activities. But it does not prohibit their employment in any
harmless innocent work.
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Right to freedom of Religion
Freedom of conscience etc.:- Article 25 says that all persons are equally
entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and
propogate religion. The implications of these are as follows:-
Freedom of conscience
Right to profess
Right to propogate
Right to practice
Article 25 covers not only religious belief but also religious practices. This
right is available to all person citizen as well as noncitizen.
Freedom to manage religious affairs:- As per article 26, every religious
denomination or any of its section shall have the following right:-
to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable
purposes;
to manage its own affairs in matters of religion.
to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and
to administer such property in accordance with law.
Denomination:- Religious denomination should satisfy the following
condition:-
It should be body of individuals who have been system of beliefs
which they regards as conductive to their spiritual well being.
It should have common organisation; and
It should be designated by a distinctive name.
For example: - ‘Ramakrishna mission’ and ‘Anand Marg’ and Arvindo
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Society is not the denomination.
Freedom from taxation for promotion of Religion:- Article 27 lays down that
no person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion or
maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination. In other
words, the state should not spend the public money collected by way of tax
for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.
This provision prohibits only levy of tax and not a fees. This is because the
purpose of fee is to control secular administration of religious institutions not
to promote or maintain religion.
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Minority educational institutions are of three types:-
o Institutions that seek recognition as well as aid from the state.
o Institutions that seek only recognition from the state not aid.
o Institutions that neither seek recognition nor aid from the
state.
Only first two types of institutions are subject to state control.
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Prohibition:- Literally means ‘to forbid’. It is issued by higher court to a
lower court or tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding the jurisdiction.
Thus unlike, mandamus that directs activity, the prohibition directs inactivity.
It is not issued against:-
Administrative authorities
Legislative authorities
Private individuals.
Certiorari:- In the literal sense, it means ‘to be certified’ or ‘to be informed’.
It is issued by higher court to a lower court or tribunal either to transfer a
case pending with the latter to itself or squash the order of the latter in a
case. It is issued on the grounds of:-
Excess of jurisdiction
Lack of jurisdiction
Error of law.
Thus, unlike prohibition, which is only preventive, certiorari is both
preventive as well as curative. Certiorari can be issued against even the
administrative authorities affecting the rights of individual as per the ruling of
the supreme since 1991.
Quo-Warranto:- In the literal sense, ‘it means by what authority or warrant’.
It is issued by the court to enquire in to the legality of claim of a person to a
public office.
Directive Principles of State Policy
Introduction:- The D.P.S.P. contained in Part IV of the Constitution set out aims and
objective to be taken up by the States in the governance of the country. This
feature of the Constitution is borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland. The idea of
a welfare State established by our constitution can only be achieved if the States try
to implement them with a high sense of moral duty. The main object in enacting
the directive principles appears is to set standard of achievement before the
legislature and the executive, the local and other authorities, by which their success
or failure can be judge. The Constitution of India contains the following directive
principals:-
i. Directive for social order based on justice – Art 38(1) requires the State to try
and promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which
every one is assured social, economic and political justice.
ii. Directives in the nature of non-justifiable right of every citizen –
right to adequate means of livelihood Art 39 (a),
right of both sexes to equal pay for equal work Art 39 (b)
Right against economic exploitation. Art 39 (e)
Equitable justice and free legal aid, Art 39 (A).
iii. To organize village Panchayats as units of self-government (Art. 40)
iv. Right of work within the economic capacity of the state. Art 41
v. The State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of
work and for maternity relief. Art. 42.
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vi. To develop cottage industries. (Art 43)
vii. Participation of workers in management of industries, (Art 43A)
viii. To secure a uniform civil code for the Citizen (Art 44).
ix. The State shall endeavour to provide, free and compulsory education for all
children until they complete the age of fourteen years. Art. 45
x. To promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the
weaker section of the People and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all
forms of exploitation.
xi. To prohibit consumption of liquors and intoxicating drug except for medical
purposes. (Art 47).
xii. To organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern lines.
xiii. Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and
wild life, (art 48A)
xiv. To protect and maintain places of historic, and artistic interest. (Art 49).
xv. To separate judiciary from executive (Art 50).
xvi. The State shall endeavour to—
a.promote international peace and security;
b. maintain just and honourable relations between nations;
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h. To develop the Scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
i. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
j. To strive towards excellence in all sphere of individual and collective activity. So that the
nation constantly rises to higher levels of Endeavour and achievement.
k. Who is Parent or Guardian to Provide opportunities for education to his child or as the
case be ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Ordinance Making Power (Art 123):- If any time when both house of Parliament are
not in session, President may issue ordinance having same force of as an Act of
Parliament. Such ordinance must be laid before both houses of Parliament and shall
have effect up to six weeks of unless Parliament by disapproved by resolution.
An ordinance Promulgated under Art 123 is a law having same force and effect as an
Act at Parliament. The ordinance passed by the President cannot be inquired into
challenged in Courts. It can not violate fundamental rights.
TRADE, COMMERCE AND INTERCOURSE –
Meaning:- The word “trade” means “buying” or “selling” of goods while the term “Commerce”
includes all forms of transportation such as by land, air or water. The term “intercourse” means
movement of goods from one place to another place. The words trade commerce and
intercourse covers all kinds of activities which are likely to come under the nature of commerce.
It is to be noted that Art.19 (1) (g) also guarantees to citizens the right to practice any profession
or carry on any trade, business, etc. But while Art, 19 (1) (g) confers a fundamental right on
citizens to carry on trade, business etc. Art.301 confers only a statutory right. The right under
Art. 19 (1) (g) can only be claimed by citizens, but the right under Art.301 can be claimed by any
one.
The word “free” in Art.301 – does not mean freedom from Laws or regulations. There is a clear
distinction between laws interfering with freedom to carry out the activities constituting trade
and law imposing rules of proper conduct or other restraints for the due and orderly manner of
carrying out the activities. The distinction is known as regulations.
The word “regulation” has no fixed connotation. Its meaning differs according to the nature of
the thing which it is applied. A purely regulatory and compensatory law cannot be regarded
as violative of the freedom of trade and commerce. Such laws are intended merely to
regulate trade and commerce they tend, to facilitate, and not restrict or restrain freedom or
trade. Thus, such measures as traffic regulations, licensing of vehicles, charging for the
maintenance of roads, marketing and health regulations, price control, economic and social
planning prescribing minimum wages are purely regulatory measures., than a law which
levies a tax or toll for the use of a road or bridge is not a barrier or burden on a trade but in
reality helps the free-flow of trade by enabling the provision of a mare convenient and less
expensive route. Such compensatory taxes are no hindrance to any such freedom of trade so
long as they are within reasonable limits, if the amount of such taxes are unduly high it
certainly would hamper trade.
In this connection the Court has pointed out that the distinction between “freedom” in Art 301
and “restriction” in Art. 302 and 304 must be kept in mind, and that which, in reality
facilitates trade cannot be a restriction. While that which actually hampers trade will be a
restriction.
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“The Majority judgement in the Atiabari Tea Co’s Case read with a majority judgement in the
Automobile’s case lead to the following principles relating of Art.301
1. Art.301 assures freedom of inter-State as well as intra-State trade, Commerce and
intercourse.
2. Trade, Commerce and intercourse have the widest connotation and take in movement
of goods and persons.
3. The freedom is not only from laws enacted in the exercise of the powers conferred by
the legislative entries relating to trade and commerce or production, supply and
distribution of goods, but also to all laws including tax laws. only those laws whose
direct and immediate effect to inhibit or restrict freedom of trade or commerce will
come with the mischief of Art.301. Laws which are merely regulatory or which impose
purely compensatory taxes, and hence intended to facilitate freedom of trade, are
outside the scope Art. 301.
4. Restrictions on Trade and Commerce – Art 301 is subject to the restrictions imposed
under Art. 302 to 305.
Parliament’s Power to regulate trade and commerce in the Public interest – Art 302
authorizes Parliament to impose such restrictions on the freedom of trade, commerce or
inter course between one State and another or within any part of the territory of India
as may be required in the public interest.
State‟s power to regulate trade and commerce – Art 304 (a) empowers the State to
impose any tax on goods imported from other State if similar goods in the State are
subject to similar tax so as not to discriminate between goods so imported and goods
manufactured or produced in the State.
Saving of existing laws – Art 305 saves existing laws and laws providing for State
monopolies in so far as the President may by order otherwise direct. In Saghir Ahmad v.
State of U.P. The Supreme Court raised the question whether an Act providing for State
monopoly in a particular trade or business conflicts with the freedom of trade and
commerce, guaranteed by Art. 301, but left the question undecided. Art 19 was
amended by the Constitution (first Amendment) Act in order to take out such State
monopolies out of the purview of Art. 19 (1)(g). But no corresponding provision was
added to Art 305.
It appears from the judgement of the Supreme Court that in spite of such an
amendment a law introducing such State monopoly might have to be justified before the
courts as being “in the public interest” or as amounting to a “reasonable” under Art.306
(b) of the Constitution.
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