The Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights form the backbone of constitutional governance in India, shaping how the judiciary safeguards individual liberties. Through Article 13 and the powerful doctrine of judicial review, the Constitution ensures that no legislative or executive action can curtail the essence of Fundamental Rights. This topic is immensely important for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams, as it connects the legal framework with the spirit of democracy and rule of law.
This foundational principle prevents any law, rule, or custom from violating the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution. By doing so, it upholds the supremacy of the Constitution and the equality of all before law.
The term ‘law’ in Article 13 is not confined merely to Acts of Parliament but includes all forms of legal and customary authority, ensuring a wide reach of judicial protection.
The framers of the Constitution adopted an expansive approach to the word ‘law’ to prevent any loophole that could compromise Fundamental Rights.
The judiciary ensures that even executive orders or customary practices do not infringe on citizens’ rights. This holistic definition enables courts to strike down any rule or practice inconsistent with Fundamental Rights.
While Article 13 initially exempted constitutional amendments from its purview, judicial interpretations evolved to include them under the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Initially, constitutional amendments were deemed outside the scope of Article 13. However, through landmark rulings, the Supreme Court recognized that even amendments cannot destroy the Constitution’s foundational principles.
The ruling in Kesavananda Bharati ensured that while Parliament could amend the Constitution, it could not alter its basic features such as democracy, secularism, and rule of law.
The Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Articles 14–32, form the soul of the Indian Constitution, ensuring equality, freedom, and protection of human dignity.
This right ensures that every individual is treated equally before the law and is protected from discrimination or arbitrary treatment by the State.
This right guarantees essential civil liberties vital for personal development and democratic participation.
These articles protect individuals from inhuman practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, and child exploitation.
These articles guarantee religious liberty, allowing individuals and communities to profess, practice, and propagate religion freely.
These rights protect minority communities, enabling them to preserve their culture, language, and educational institutions.
This right empowers citizens to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights through various writs.
The Indian Constitution extends certain Fundamental Rights to foreigners while reserving some exclusively for citizens, maintaining a balance between inclusivity and sovereignty.
Some rights are meant only for citizens as they relate to civic equality, political participation, and cultural preservation.
These rights reflect universal human values and are applicable to every individual residing in India, except enemy aliens.
The doctrine under Article 13 ensures that the Supreme Court and High Courts uphold the supremacy of the Constitution by striking down any law conflicting with Fundamental Rights. Through landmark judgments like Kesavananda Bharati (1973), India solidified the Basic Structure Doctrine, ensuring that the essence of democracy, liberty, and justice remains untouched. For students and aspirants, this topic remains a cornerstone for understanding the intersection of law, rights, and governance.
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