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Constitution of India, Preamble, Structure, Fundamental Rights

Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country, serving as its fundamental governing document. Learn about the key components of the Constitution of India.
authorImageMridula Sharma22 May, 2024
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Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is a cornerstone of the nation's legal system, establishing the framework for governance and the protection of fundamental rights. It outlines the structure of government, delineates the powers of different branches, and sets forth the rights and duties of citizens. This blog provides an insightful exploration of the key components of the Indian Constitution for CS Exam .

Constitution of India Preamble

The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Constitution, outlining its objectives - Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. It declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The Preamble sets the tone for the Constitution, reflecting the aspirations and values that guide the nation.

Constitution of India Structure

The Constitution of India is the longest-written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 395 articles in 22 parts, 12 schedules, and numerous amendments. It meticulously defines the structure of the central and state governments, delineating their respective powers and functions.

Constitution of India Judicial Review

Judicial review is a critical function of the judiciary, allowing courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. This mechanism ensures that all laws and actions adhere to the principles of the Constitution, safeguarding citizens' rights against potential misuse of power.

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Fundamental Rights

The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights in Part III, which are essential for the overall development of individuals and include:
  • Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
  • Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
  • Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
  • Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
  • Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
  • Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
These rights are enforceable by the courts, ensuring legal protection against their violation.

Doctrine of Severability, Eclipse, and Waiver

These doctrines play crucial roles in constitutional law:
  • Doctrine of Severability: If any part of a law is found unconstitutional, only that part is invalidated, not the entire law.
  • Doctrine of Eclipse: Laws inconsistent with fundamental rights are not nullified but are overshadowed and can become enforceable if the inconsistency is removed.
  • Doctrine of Waiver: It states that no individual can waive their fundamental rights voluntarily.

Fundamental Duties

Article 51A, added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, lists the fundamental duties of every citizen. These include respecting the Constitution, cherishing its ideals, protecting the sovereignty of India, promoting harmony, and preserving the natural environment.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Outlined in Part IV of the Constitution, these principles aim to guide the state in making laws and policies that ensure social and economic welfare. While not enforceable by courts, they are fundamental in governance.

Judiciary

The Judiciary in India is independent and includes the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts. It functions to interpret the Constitution, resolve disputes, and uphold the rule of law, ensuring justice is accessible and delivered in a timely manner.

Constitution of India Writs

Writs are formal written orders issued by a Court. Typically, they command the person to whom they are directed to perform or refrain from performing a specified act. Writs are a crucial part of the administrative law in many legal systems and serve as essential tools for ensuring the proper administration of justice. In common law systems, writs were historically part of the routine process of judicial review.

There are several types of writs, each serving different purposes:

  1. Habeas Corpus: Perhaps the most famous writ, "habeas corpus" (Latin for "you shall have the body") requires a person who has been detained or imprisoned to be brought before a judge or into court. The purpose of this writ is to allow the court to determine the legality of the detainee's arrest or imprisonment.
  2. Mandamus: This writ is an order from a court to a lower court, tribunal, or public authority to perform an act that is mandated by law, which it has neglected or refused to do. Mandamus is often used to enforce the duty of an official or a public body when all other legal remedies have failed.
  3. Prohibition: A writ of prohibition is issued primarily to prevent an inferior court from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. Its purpose is to keep the jurisdiction of judicial bodies within their lawful limits.
  4. Certiorari: This writ is used by a superior court to review the decision of a lower court or tribunal. Essentially, it transfers the matter to the higher court for a fresh review of the facts and legal issues involved.
  5. Quo Warranto: This is a writ calling upon someone to show by what right they exercise an authority or hold a public office. It is a preventive measure to stop individuals from usurping public office.

Constitution of India Doctrine

In legal terms, a doctrine is a rule, principle, theory, or tenet of the law. Doctrines form the foundation of legal analyses and are derived from judicial decisions and interpretations of statutory laws. They are used to make predictions about the outcomes of specific legal questions based on judicial precedent.

Several important legal doctrines are frequently referenced in law, including:

  1. Doctrine of Stare Decisis: This principle mandates that courts are bound to follow the precedents set by prior decisions when ruling on similar cases. It ensures consistency and predictability in the law.
  2. Doctrine of Precedent: Closely related to stare decisis, this doctrine suggests that a court should rule consistently with previous rulings in similar cases within the same jurisdiction to maintain stability and fairness.
  3. Doctrine of Separation of Powers: This fundamental principle of many constitutions around the world mandates that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government be distinct and operate independently.
  4. Doctrine of Judicial Review: This doctrine allows courts to interpret the constitution and to invalidate laws and government actions that violate constitutional provisions.
  5. Doctrine of Equitable Estoppel: This principle prevents a person from adopting a position, action, or legal argument that contradicts or negates a previous claim or behavior if it would result in harm to another person who relied on the original position.

Parliament

The Parliament of India is bicameral, consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). It is the supreme legislative body, responsible for making laws, amending the Constitution, and overseeing the executive branch. The Constitution of India encapsulates the country's democratic ethos and legal framework, ensuring governance that is in line with democratic principles and the protection of fundamental human rights. It provides a balanced structure of power distribution among various organs of the state and lays down a framework for citizens to live in a just society. Understanding its nuances is essential for appreciating how the nation functions and evolves. Enroll now in PW Company Secretary Courses to master the intricacies of corporate governance and legal compliance. Build a successful career in company secretarial practice. Register today!
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Constitution of India FAQs

What is the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution?

The Preamble outlines the Constitution's objectives, reflecting the nation's values and aspirations, and declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

What are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?

Fundamental rights include the right to equality, freedom, against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.

What is the role of the Judiciary in India?

The Judiciary interprets the Constitution, resolves disputes, and upholds the rule of law, ensuring justice is accessible and delivered in a timely manner.

What are writs in the context of the Indian Constitution?

Writs are formal written orders issued by courts, including habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto, serving various purposes in administrative law.

What are some important legal doctrines referenced in Indian law?

Important legal doctrines include stare decisis, precedent, separation of powers, judicial review, and equitable estoppel, shaping legal interpretations and outcomes.
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