Constitutional Law of India
Constitutional Law tests the structure of the Constitution, fundamental rights, remedies and federal principles. Questions often combine Articles with leading doctrines rather than bare text.
Rights and remedies
Part III binds the State under Article 12. Article 13 makes inconsistent pre-constitutional laws void to the extent of inconsistency. Article 14 forbids arbitrary classification; Article 19 freedoms are subject to reasonable restrictions; Article 21 includes due process and dignity; Article 21A guarantees elementary education. Articles 32 and 226 empower the Supreme Court and High Courts to issue writs. Article 32 is itself a fundamental right; Article 226 is wider.
Structure and amendment
Article 368 permits amendment, but the basic structure doctrine limits destruction of essential features. The President acts on ministerial advice under Article 74. Emergency provisions are in Part XVIII.
Worked example
A state statute denies women equal succession rights in agricultural land. Article 15(1) prohibits sex discrimination, and Article 14 requires a rational nexus. The state must show a constitutionally permissible classification. A personal-law rule may raise different issues, but a legislative enactment is not immune from Part III.
Traps
DPSPs are not directly enforceable. Fundamental rights are generally enforceable against the State, not private persons, though Articles 15(2), 17 and 23 have horizontal effect. Article 226 is not a substitute for ordinary civil suit where disputed facts require evidence. Writ jurisdiction is discretionary.