Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Indian Constitution and Legal System (12 Hrs.) 

Historical Background – Constituent Assembly of India – Philosophical Foundations of The Indian Constitution, Understanding Indian Legal System – various organs of legal system, Brief introduction to the Indian Constitution, Salient features, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, fundamental duties, Constitutional remedies (Writ Petitions and PILs).

Unit 2

Structure of Government (10 Hrs.,) 

Union Government- Structures and Powers of the Union Government. Parliamentary system of Government- Union and State Legislative; Union government- Functions – President – Vice President – Prime Minister – Cabinet. Parliament. State Government – Structure and Functions – Governor – Chief Minister – Cabinet – State Legislature

Unit 3

Indian Judicial System (8 Hrs.) 

Structure of Indian judicial systems – Judicial Review. Judicial activism, Alternative dispute resolution Mechanisms (ADR), Adjudication – Civil, Criminal and Constitutional, Lok Adalat, Legal Aid, Amendments and Emergency Provisions in the Constitution. Ethics and human agency in justice delivery.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Basu, Durga Das. (1971) Introduction to the Constitution of India. New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India.   
2. Gangrade K D. (1978) Social Legislations in India (Vol I and II). New Delhi, Concept Publishing Company.  
3. Shanmuga Velayutham (1998) Social Legislation and Social Change Chennai, VazhgaValamudan Publication.  

Sugested readings:

1. South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre-SAHRDC. (2006) Introducing Human Rights. New Delhi, Oxford University Press.  
2. Aswini Kant Gautam. (2001) Human Rights and Justice System. New Delhi, A. P. H. Publishing Corporation.  
3. Narang, A S. (2000) Indian Government and Politics. New Delhi, Geethanjali Publishing House.   
4. Saldanha, D., (1995) State, Society and Voluntary Intervention: Reflections on the  Experiences of Some Action Groups
5. Savur and I. Munshi (eds.) Contradictions in Indian Society, Jaipur: Rawat Publications.

The Social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. The legal awareness and functioning of the legal system in the country is essential for a social work professional in their practice. This course will help the students gain an understanding of constitutional remedies, PIL and provisions of various significant legislations in India.

Course Objectives

1. To know about the basic structure of Indian constitution and the judicial system
2. To familiarize the students with the Federal structure and principles of the Indian Constitution and the powers and functions of various Constitutional bodies
3. To develop in students the necessary constitutional and legal awareness to practice social work

Course outcome

1. Familiarize with the important provisions of Constitution
2. Know about the functioning of the Court system in India
3. Know about the various structural functionaries of the Government

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