Indian Polity
What this domain tests
Indian Polity tests the Constitution, fundamental rights and duties, directive principles, Parliament, the judiciary, federalism and local government. For Food SI, link constitutional provisions to public health, nutrition and food administration.
Core rules and concepts
- The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
- Fundamental Rights are in Part III and are enforceable through writs; Directive Principles in Part IV are not directly enforceable.
- Article 47 is a Directive Principle directing the State to raise the level of nutrition and standard of public health and to prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs.
- Article 21 has been interpreted to include the right to food, health and a clean environment.
- The Seventh Schedule divides subjects into Union, State and Concurrent Lists; public health is a State subject, while food safety operates through central legislation.
- The 73rd and 74th Amendments deal with panchayats and municipalities.
Worked example
A question asks whether Article 47 can be enforced by a citizen through a writ. It cannot, because Article 47 is a Directive Principle, not a Fundamental Right. It guides state policy on nutrition and public health, but courts cannot issue a direct writ for its breach.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat Directive Principles as enforceable rights. Do not confuse Article 21 with Article 47. Do not mix up the 73rd and 74th Amendments. Remember that “right to food” is a judicial interpretation of Article 21, not a separate article.