Constitution of India – An
Introduction
Dr. Pratima Narayan
Advocate & Law Faculty
Introduction
• Supreme law of India.
• Lays down the framework for fundamental political code, structure,
procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions
• Sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of
citizens.
• Longest constitution in the world
Comprises of
• 448 articles
• 25 Parts
• 12 Schedules
• 104 Amendments (as on January 2020)
THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly
resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN
SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to
secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote
among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and
the 2 [unity and integrity of the Nation];
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twentysixth day of
November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE
TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
Fundamental Rights
• Envisaged in Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Indian Constitution.
• Fundamental Rights include:
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
Right to Equality (Articles 14 -18)
• Equality before law
• Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste,
sex or place of birth
• Equality of opportunities in matters of public employment
• Abolition of Untouchability
• Abolition of titles
Right to Freedom
• Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
• Protection of certain rights in case of conviction for offences
• Protection of life and personal liberty
• Free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6-14 years
• Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases
Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
• Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor
• Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-
28)
• Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation
of religion
• Freedom to manage religious affairs
• Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular
religion
• Freedom as to attendance at religious instructions or religious
worship in certain educational institutions
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
• Protection of language, script, and culture of minorities.
• Right of minorities to establish and administer educational
institutions.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32 & Article 226)
• Right to move to the supreme court and High Court for the
enforcement of Fundamental Rights and legal rights
• Formal written order issued by a competent Court.
• Warrants, directions, orders etc.
Writ
(i) Habeas corpus – to have the body – unlawful detention
(ii) Mandamus – we command - to direct a public authority to perform
the legal duties
(iii) Prohibition - prohibit the lower courts, tribunals and other quasi-
judicial authorities from doing something beyond their authority.
(iv) Certiorari – to certify- a lower court or a tribunal has passed an
order which is beyond its powers or committed an error of law
(v) Quo warranto – by what warrant - calls upon a person holding a
public office to show under what authority he holds that office.
Directive Principles
• Part IV of the Constitution
• Instructions to the State for achieving socio-economic development
• Aims at establishment of a welfare state
Fundamental Duties - Part IVA – Article 51A
11 Duties
• Abide by the Constitution and respect national flag & National Anthem
• Follow ideals of the freedom struggle
• Protect sovereignty & integrity of India
• Defend the country and render national services when called upon
• Sprit of common brotherhood
• Preserve composite culture
• Preserve natural environment
• Develop scientific temper
• Safeguard public property
• Strive for excellence
• Duty of all parents/guardians to send their children in the age group of 6-14 years to school.
Which of the following word have not been written in
the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
(A) Sovereign
(B) Socialist
(C) Democratic
(D) Indians
The term “We” in the Preamble indicates -
A. The President of India
B. The Supreme Court of India
C. The People of India
D. The Central Government
By which amendment of the Constitution were the words “Socialist &
secular “ added to its Preamble
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 54th Amendment
C. 46th Amendment
D. 81st Amendment
Which of the following articles guarantees equality before law and equal
protection of law for all individuals residing within the territory of India?
(a) 15
(b) 14
(c) 17
(d) 18
Supreme Court has made Right to Privacy as part of
which among the Fundamental Rights?
A.Freedom of Religion
B.Right to Equality
C.Right to free education
D.Right to Life
Which one of the following is not included in the Right to
Freedom?
A.Freedom of speech
B.Freedom to form association
C.Freedom of movement throughout India
D.Freedom to secure equal pay for equal work
Directive principles of State Policy is mentioned in
…….. of the Indian constitution.
A. Part I
B. Part VI
C. Part VIII
D. Part IV
Which of the following are listed as a Directive Principle of State policy?
(i) freedom in the economic field for the interest of the consumer and producer
(ii) Regulation of economic system of the country to prevent concentration of wealth and means
of production
(iii) To ensure decent standard of living and facilities of leisure for all workers
(iv) To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife
A. (ii) and (iii)
B. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
C. (ii), (iv)
D. (iii), (iv)
The purpose of Directive Principles of State is –
A. Lay down positive instructions which would guide the State
Policy at all levels
B. Implement the idea of a decentralised State
C. Check the arbitrary powers by the Government
D. Promote fundamental rights of citizens
At present how many Fundamental
Duties are in the Constitution of India?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 10
D. 11
Which of the following is not the Fundamental Duty?
A. Safeguarding public property
B. To obey the parents
C. To make compulsory education to children of 6 to 14 years
D. To spread brotherhood among the people
