Course

Unit 1

CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND PHILOSOPHY

• Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Constitutional Law
• Constitutionalism: Concept and Evolution
• Rule of Law
• Historical Perspective of the Indian Constitution
• Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
• Fundamental Law
• Preamble: Philosophy, Objectives, and Judicial Interpretation

Unit 2

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS – GENERAL PRINCIPLES (PART III)

• Concept, Origin, and Development of Fundamental Rights
  • Magna Carta
  • English Bill of Rights, 1689
  • American Bill of Rights, 1791
  • French Declaration of the Rights of Man
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
• Historical Sources of Rights:
• Need for Fundamental Rights in India
• Classification of Fundamental Rights
• State and Fundamental Rights (Article 12)
• Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights (Article 13)
• Justiciability and Enforcement of Fundamental Rights
• Doctrine of Eclipse
• Doctrine of Severability
• Doctrine of Waiver

Unit 3

RIGHT TO EQUALITY (ARTICLES 14–18)

• Right to Equality: Scope and Significance
• Equality before Law and Equal Protection of Laws (Article 14)
• Rule of Law under Article 14
• Reasonable Classification and Arbitrariness Doctrine
• Administrative Discretion and Judicial Review
• Reservation Policy in India
• Mandal Commission and Constitutional Developments

Unit 4

OTHER FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

• Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)
  • Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences (Article 20):
• Ex Post Facto Law
• Double Jeopardy
• Protection against Self-Incrimination
• Protection of Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)
• Right to Education (Article 21-A)
• Safeguards against Arbitrary Arrest and Preventive Detention
• Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)
• Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)
• Right to Property:
• Articles 19(1)(f), 31, 31-A, 31-B, 31-C
• Article 300-A

Unit 5

DIRECTIVEPRINCIPLES,DUTIES,ANDCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

• Directive Principles of State Policy:
• Object, Purpose, and Nature
• Relationship between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs
• Harmonious Construction and Supremacy Debate
• Fundamental Duties (Article 51-A)
• Doctrine of Basic Structure
• Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)

Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to the philosophical foundations and essential features of the Constitution of India.
2. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the concept of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
3. To examine the historical evolution of Fundamental Rights in India and globally.
4. To analyse the scope, content, and judicial interpretation of Fundamental Rights under Part III of the Constitution.
5. To understand the constitutional relationship between equality, freedoms, and personal liberty.
6. To evaluate the role of Directive Principles of State Policy in achieving the goals of a welfare State.
7. To critically examine constitutional amendments and the development of the Doctrine of Basic Structure

Course Outcomes

1. Explain and analyse the foundations of Constitutional Law, including constitutionalism, rule of law, historical evolution, salient features, and the interpretative significance of the Preamble.
2. Examine and apply the general principles governing Fundamental Rights, including their origin, classification, enforceability, constitutional limitations, and relevant judicial doctrines under Articles 12 and 13.
3. Interpret and evaluate the Right to Equality under Articles 14-18, with specific emphasis on reasonable classification, arbitrariness, administrative discretion, and affirmative action policies.
4. Analyze and apply the scope of personal, civil, religious, cultural, educational, and property rights under Part III, including judicial safeguards for life, liberty, and criminal justice.
5. Assess and critique the constitutional role of Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties, and constitutional amendments, including the operation of the doctrine of basic structure.

Teaching Methodology : Lecture, Group Discussion, PowerPoint Presentation etc. as per the requirement of each module.

1. M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 8th ed., LexisNexis, 2023.
2. J.N. Pandey, Constitutional Law of India, 61st ed., Central Law Agency, 2024.
3. V.N. Shukla, Constitution of India, 14th ed., Eastern Book Company, 2022.
4. D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, 26th ed., LexisNexis, 2023.
5. A.V. Dicey, Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution, Macmillan.