The Constitution of India: Supreme Law of the Land
The foundational document of the Indian Republic. Explore the Preamble, Fundamental Rights (Articles 14 to 32), Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, and the 5 High Court / Supreme Court Constitutional Writs.
The Preamble to the Constitution
Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–32)
Fundamental Rights are legally enforceable against the State under Article 32 (Supreme Court) and Article 226 (High Courts).
Equality before Law
The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Arbitrary state action is prohibited.
Protection of Six Democratic Freedoms
Guarantees freedom of speech & expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and trade/profession, subject to reasonable restrictions.
Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences
Protects against retroactive criminal laws (ex-post facto), double jeopardy (tried twice for same offence), and self-incrimination (compelled to witness against oneself).
Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
No person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Encompasses right to privacy, clean environment, speedy trial, and legal aid.
Right to Free and Compulsory Education
The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years.
Protection against Arrest and Detention
Right to know grounds of arrest, right to consult an advocate of choice, and mandatory production before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Writs)
Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights via 5 writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.
The 5 Constitutional Writs (Articles 32 & 226)
Habeas Corpus ("Produce the Body")
Issued against unlawful arrest or detention by police or private individuals. Commands authorities to produce the detained person before the court within 24 hours.
Mandamus ("We Command")
Issued to a public official, government department, or inferior court commanding them to perform a statutory duty they have refused or failed to execute.
Prohibition
Issued by a higher court to a lower judicial or quasi-judicial body to prevent it from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting contrary to natural justice.
Certiorari ("To be Certified")
Issued to quash an unlawful order already passed by a lower court, tribunal, or authority acting without jurisdiction.
Quo Warranto ("By What Authority")
Inquires into the legal authority of a person holding a public constitutional or statutory office, preventing illegal usurpation of authority.