IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON CONSTITUTION OF INDIA-I

Summary

In this video, Dr. Chhavi from Krishna Institute of Law covers key topics from Part 1 of the Indian Constitution, focusing on essential questions for LLB students. The video explores the significance of the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, including articles like 14, 19, and 21, the concept of Secularism, and Directives Principles of State Policy. Dr. Chhavi also addresses topics like the federal nature of the Indian Constitution, Uniform Civil Code, and Public Interest Litigation. The lecture provides crucial insights on frequently asked questions, ensuring a thorough understanding of the Constitution for effective exam preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fundamental rights are a major topic in the Indian Constitution, with questions often focusing on these rights and their suspension during emergencies.
• 😀 The Constitution's Preamble is crucial and must be understood in terms of its importance and the four pillars it stands on.
• 😀 There are six fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution, each of which may be questioned briefly in exams, and their exceptions during emergencies should be known.
• 😀 Questions about fundamental rights might ask about who can claim them, including whether foreign citizens can, and the role of the Supreme Court in protecting these rights.
• 😀 Article 14, dealing with the right to equality, is often questioned in terms of reasonable classification and the differences between equality before the law and equal protection under the law.
• 😀 The right to freedom of speech (Articles 19-22) is fundamental, but students should be prepared to explain its limitations and restrictions.
• 😀 Article 21, related to the right to life and personal liberty, is critical, and its judicial interpretation often leads to questions on criminal justice.
• 😀 Secularism is a key feature of the Indian Constitution, and students must explain how India practices secularism and whether it is a secular state.
• 😀 Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29 and 30) focus on minority rights, and these should be understood in terms of both cultural protection and educational freedom.
• 😀 The relationship between Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and fundamental rights is important, as DPSPs are non-enforceable while fundamental rights are.
• 😀 Key legal doctrines like 'Doctrine of Basic Structure', 'Doctrine of Eclipse', and the concept of 'Cooperative Federalism' should be understood, as they are frequently tested.

Q & A

What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, and why is it important?

The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Indian Constitution, outlining the objectives and guiding principles of the document. It is important because it defines the values and goals of the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

What are the four pillars of the Indian Constitution's Preamble?

The four pillars of the Indian Constitution's Preamble are: Justice (social, economic, and political), Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship; Equality of status and opportunity; and Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and unity of the nation.

What are the six Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution?

The six Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are: Right to Equality (Article 14), 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), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32).

Can Fundamental Rights be suspended in India, and under what conditions?

Yes, Fundamental Rights can be suspended during a national emergency. Under Article 358 and 359 of the Constitution, certain Fundamental Rights can be suspended by the President of India during an emergency situation.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in protecting Fundamental Rights?

The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights in India. It has the power to issue writs for the enforcement of these rights and can protect citizens' rights through judicial review.

What is Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, and what does it deal with?

Article 14 guarantees the Right to Equality. It ensures that all individuals are treated equally before the law and that there should be no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It also deals with reasonable classification under the law.

What is the significance of Article 21 in the Indian Constitution?

Article 21 protects the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. It is one of the most crucial articles in the Constitution, interpreted by the judiciary to include various rights essential for human dignity, such as the right to a clean environment and the right to education.

What is meant by 'Secularism' in the Indian context?

Secularism in India means that the state does not favor any particular religion. The Constitution ensures that all religions are treated equally, and the government is neutral in religious matters.

What is the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are guidelines for the government to establish social and economic justice. While Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the judiciary, DPSPs are non-enforceable and are intended to be followed by the government while making laws and policies.

What is the doctrine of Basic Structure in the Indian Constitution?

The doctrine of Basic Structure suggests that certain fundamental features of the Indian Constitution, such as democracy, rule of law, and federalism, cannot be altered or amended by Parliament. This principle was established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).