Basic Law, Constitution and Current Affairs
Basic law, constitution and current affairs tests the constitutional framework and recent developments that a Sub-Inspector should know. Core areas are the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, amendment and emergency provisions, the President and Governor, courts, and selected statutes; current affairs covers national schemes, appointments, awards, sports, summits, and legal changes.
Core rules
- Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35) are enforceable; Directive Principles (36–51) are guidance for the state.
- Article 21 protects life and personal liberty; Article 21A makes elementary education a fundamental right for ages 6–14.
- Article 32 lets a person move the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights; Article 226 gives High Courts wider writ power.
- Article 368 governs constitutional amendment; emergency provisions are Articles 352, 356, and 360.
- The President pardons under Article 72; the Governor under Article 161.
Worked example
A state order stops a peaceful public meeting, citing public order. Article 19(1)(b) protects the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. Under Article 19(3), the state may impose reasonable restrictions in the interests of sovereignty and integrity, security, or public order. The reasoning is: identify the right, identify the stated restriction ground, then test whether the restriction is reasonable and procedurally fair. An arbitrary blanket ban is not automatically saved by the words public order.
Traps
Do not call Directive Principles judicially enforceable. Do not mix Article 32 with Article 226: both issue writs, but their scope and courts differ. Do not confuse the 42nd Amendment (mini-Constitution) with the 44th. In current affairs, verify dates and current office-holders; do not carry forward a static fact as a current one.