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Indian Constitution
Indian Constitution
Ans:
The Indian Constitution is considered a "borrowed constitution" as it drew
inspiration from various sources:
Acquisition:
Birth: Within India (jus soli) or to Indian parents abroad (jus sanguinis).
Descent: From an Indian citizen parent.
Registration: After 11 years' residence and fulfilling conditions (for
migrants).
Naturalization: After 7 years' residence and meeting specific requirements.
Rights:
Ans:
The Preamble, though brief, serves as the soul of the Constitution, outlining
its core principles and aspirations. Here's a concise overview:
Key Features:
Source of Authority: "We, the People" establishes the people's power to create
and govern themselves.
Nature of the State: Declares India a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic
Republic:
Sovereign: Independent and free from external control.
Socialist: Aims to achieve social and economic equality.
Secular: Treats all religions with equal respect, no state religion.
Democratic: Power resides with the people through elected representatives.
Objectives: Secures:
Justice: Social, economic, and political.
Liberty: Of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
Equality: Of status and opportunity.
Fraternity: Assuring unity and integrity of the nation.
Significance:
Guides interpretation of the Constitution.
Sets the tone for national goals and aspirations.
Reflects the values India cherishes.
Note: Although not directly enforceable in courts, the Preamble holds immense
moral and philosophical weight, shaping Indian society and governance.
These are six basic rights guaranteed to all Indian citizens, regardless of
their background or beliefs. They aim to protect individual liberty and equality
before the law.
1.To respect the Constitution and the National Flag and Anthem.
2.To defend the country and render public service when called upon.
3.To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, including abandoning
practices derogatory to women.
4.To protect and improve the natural environment and wildlife.
5.To develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
6.To abjure violence.
7.To uphold democratic values and institutions.
8.To promote national integration and unity.
9.To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity so that the nation constantly progresses.
10.To provide opportunities for education to all children within a reasonable
limit.
11.To promote the fundamental unity of India and uphold and protect the
sovereignty, integrity, and unity of India.
Note:
Fundamental rights are enforceable by courts, while duties are not directly
enforceable but serve as moral and ethical guidelines.
Both rights and duties are crucial for a balanced and just society.
Key Features:
Article 38: Directs the state to strive towards a social order based on social,
economic, and political justice.
Article 39: Promotes welfare of children, equal opportunities, and access to
justice.
Article 41: Encourages right to work, education, and public assistance in case
of unemployment, old age, etc.
Article 44: Uniform civil code for all citizens.
Article 47: Protection and improvement of environment and forests.
Article 48: Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.
Article 49: Protection of national monuments and places of cultural and
historical significance.
Significance:
Q.8)Write short note about President of India considering the points-Role Power
and Position.
Ans:
The President of India serves as the ceremonial head of the state and the
supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The role, power, and position of
the President are outlined as follows:
1. Role:
- Ceremonial Head: The President represents the nation domestically and
internationally, performing ceremonial duties such as conferring honors,
receiving foreign dignitaries, and delivering addresses on key occasions.
- Guardian of the Constitution: The President ensures that all laws are
executed in accordance with the Constitution and may take steps to protect and
defend the Constitution when necessary.
- Symbol of Unity: As the highest-ranking official, the President symbolizes
the unity and integrity of the nation, transcending regional and political
divides.
2. Power:
- Executive Powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister and other key
officials, including Governors, Judges, and members of the Election Commission,
on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
- Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues sessions of
Parliament, addresses both Houses, and can dissolve the Lok Sabha (House of the
People) under certain circumstances.
- Judicial Powers: The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves,
respites, or remissions of punishment, and to suspend, remit, or commute the
sentence of any person convicted of any offense.
3. Position:
- Head of State: The President occupies the highest constitutional position
in India, representing the nation at home and abroad.
- Non-partisan: The President is expected to exercise powers impartially and
transcend party politics, serving the best interests of the nation as a whole.
- Limited Authority: While the President wields significant powers, they are
bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister,
except in certain discretionary matters.
1. Head of Government: As the head of government, the Prime Minister leads the
Council of Ministers, which comprises cabinet ministers and other officials
responsible for various ministries and departments.
3. Chief Advisor to the President: The Prime Minister serves as the chief
advisor to the President of India and plays a crucial role in advising the
President on matters of governance, legislation, and national interest.
6. National Security: The Prime Minister holds a key role in national security
matters, overseeing defense policies, intelligence agencies, and strategic
initiatives to safeguard India's sovereignty and protect its citizens from
external threats.
1. Lok Sabha:
- The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of
Parliament.
- It consists of members directly elected by the people of India through
general elections.
- The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 545 members, including up to 530
members representing states and up to 20 members representing union territories,
along with two members nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian
community.
- The Lok Sabha is responsible for making laws, passing the budget, and
exercising control over the executive branch through various mechanisms such as
questions, debates, and motions.
2. Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of
Parliament.
- It consists of members who are elected by the elected members of the
Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories, as well as members
nominated by the President to represent expertise in various fields like arts,
literature, science, and social service.
- The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 238 are
representatives of the States and Union territories and 12 are nominated
members.
- The Rajya Sabha plays a complementary role to the Lok Sabha by reviewing
legislation initiated by the lower house, representing states' interests, and
providing a platform for national debate on important issues.
Both houses have specific roles and responsibilities in the legislative process,
and their functioning is essential for the effective functioning of India's
parliamentary democracy.
1. **Head of State:** The Governor is the ceremonial head of the state and
represents the Union government in the state.
**Position:**
1. **Executive Head:** The Chief Minister is the executive head of the state
government and is responsible for implementing government policies and
decisions.
4. **Cabinet Formation:** The Chief Minister selects ministers to form the state
cabinet, which is responsible for various ministries and departments. The Chief
Minister allocates portfolios to ministers and oversees their functioning.
**Supreme Court:**
Procedure:The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals and
exercises original jurisdiction in certain cases involving fundamental rights.
It follows a structured legal process involving filing of petitions, hearings,
arguments, and issuance of judgments.
Power:The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, enabling it to strike
down laws and actions of the executive and legislative branches if they are
found to be unconstitutional. It interprets the Constitution and safeguards
fundamental rights of citizens, ensuring the rule of law and upholding the
principles of justice.
In summary, the Indian Supreme Court is a vital institution that upholds the
rule of law, safeguards fundamental rights, and ensures justice through its
independent, fair, and powerful functioning.
**High Court:**
Power:High Courts have the power to interpret laws, issue writs, and enforce
fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. They play a crucial role in
upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring
justice at the state level. High Court judgments are binding precedents within
their respective jurisdictions and serve as important legal references for lower
courts.
13.PIL:
**Public Interest Litigation (PIL)**
**Features of PIL:**
1. Broad Standing: PIL can be filed by any person or organization acting in the
interest of the public, even if they are not directly affected by the issue.
2. Social Justice: PIL aims to address systemic issues affecting society at
large, such as environmental protection, human rights violations, corruption,
and discrimination.
3. Judicial Activism: PIL encourages courts to actively intervene in matters of
public interest, even if not brought to their attention through traditional
litigation channels.
4. Public Participation: PIL promotes public participation in the judicial
process, empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable and seek redress
for grievances.
**Scope of PIL:** The scope of PIL is broad and encompasses a wide range of
issues affecting the public interest, including environmental degradation,
access to healthcare, educational reforms, gender equality, corruption, and
administrative transparency. PIL has been instrumental in shaping public policy,
enforcing government accountability, and safeguarding fundamental rights.