BNC
BNC
The enforcement of the Constitution refers to the practical implementation of its provisions by the
different branches of the government. In India, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all
laws and actions of the government must conform to its principles. The enforcement primarily occurs
through the functioning of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The legislature passes laws in line
with constitutional provisions. The executive implements these laws, and the judiciary ensures that the
laws and their implementation do not violate the Constitution.
The judiciary plays a critical role in enforcing the Constitution through the process of judicial review,
where it can strike down laws or executive actions that are found to be unconstitutional. Additionally,
citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court or High Courts through writ petitions (Article 32 and
226) if their fundamental rights are violated.
1. Written and Lengthy Document: The Indian Constitution is one of the lengthiest in the world,
comprising over 470 Articles.
3. Federal Structure with Unitary Bias: It divides powers between the centre and the states but
grants more powers to the centre.
4. Secular State: The Constitution ensures that the State has no official religion.
6. Fundamental Rights: These are justiciable rights that protect individual freedoms against state
action.
7. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for governance, though not justiciable.
8. Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen above 18 has the right to vote.
9. Single Citizenship: Unlike the federal structures in other countries, India provides for single
citizenship.
These features collectively aim to promote justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as envisioned in the
Preamble.
Preamble:
The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular,
Democratic, and Republic nation. It aims to secure justice, liberty, equality, and promote fraternity.
Though not enforceable by courts, the Preamble is considered the key to understanding the ideals and
philosophy of the Constitution. It has been used by courts to interpret ambiguous constitutional
provisions.
Centre-State Relations:
The Indian Constitution divides powers between the Centre and States into three lists: Union, State, and
Concurrent, under the Seventh Schedule. Articles 245 to 263 deal with Centre-State relations which are
categorized into:
1. Legislative Relations: Parliament can legislate on subjects in the Union List, while States can
legislate on the State List. Both can legislate on the Concurrent List, but Union law prevails in
case of conflict.
2. Administrative Relations: The Union can issue directions to the States. In certain cases, the
Centre can even take over state functions.
3. Financial Relations: The Centre collects most of the taxes and distributes a portion to states via
Finance Commission recommendations.
Thus, while India is federal in structure, it has a unitary bias, especially in matters of emergency or
national importance.
Q1(c): Write about Directive Principles of State Policy & Explain historical perspective of constitutional
amendment in India.
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are a set of guidelines or principles laid out in Part IV
(Article 36 to 51) of the Indian Constitution. These principles are not legally enforceable by the courts
but are considered essential for governance. The aim of the DPSPs is to create social and economic
conditions under which citizens can lead a good life. They are intended to establish a social order
characterized by justice – social, economic, and political – as outlined in the Preamble.
1. Socialist Principles: These ensure provision for adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for
equal work, protection of children and youth, etc.
2. Gandhian Principles: These include the promotion of cottage industries, organization of village
Panchayats, and promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles: These include provisions for a uniform civil code, separation of
judiciary from the executive, and promotion of international peace.
While DPSPs are non-justiciable, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country. The
State is expected to apply these principles while making laws.
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Known as the "Mini Constitution", it made changes in the Preamble
and curtailed judicial review.
• 44th Amendment (1978): Undid some changes of the 42nd Amendment, especially concerning
fundamental rights.
• 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992): Introduced Panchayati Raj and municipal governance.
Thus, constitutional amendments have been pivotal in adapting the Constitution to the changing needs
of society and governance.
Q2(a): Explain Role and Duties of President of India. Describe Judicial Activism and Lokpal.
The President of India is the constitutional head of the Indian state and the highest formal authority in
the country. As the head of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, the President’s role is largely
ceremonial, yet constitutionally important. Elected by an electoral college comprising Members of
Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies, the President holds office for a term of five years
and is eligible for reelection.
1. Executive Powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister, other ministers, Governors of
states, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and other officials. All executive actions
are carried out in the name of the President.
2. Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues Parliament sessions, gives assent to
bills, can withhold assent, or send them back for reconsideration (except money bills).
Ordinances can also be promulgated when Parliament is not in session.
3. Judicial Powers: The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or
remissions of punishment under Article 72.
4. Emergency Powers: The President can declare National, State, or Financial emergencies.
5. Diplomatic Powers: The President represents India in international forums and affairs and signs
treaties and agreements.
Although the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister,
their role is crucial in ensuring constitutional balance and continuity.
Judicial Activism: Judicial activism refers to the proactive role played by the judiciary in protecting the
rights of citizens and ensuring justice. It includes the judiciary’s readiness to depart from traditional
interpretation and intervene in legislative and executive matters. It is exercised through Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) and Suo Moto cognizance. Judicial activism has played a critical role in environmental
protection, human rights, and social justice in India.
Lokpal: The Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act,
2013. It investigates complaints of corruption against public functionaries, including the Prime Minister,
ministers, and Members of Parliament. The Lokpal comprises a Chairperson and a maximum of eight
members. Its establishment is a step forward in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Q2(c): Elaborate Role & Function of Prime Minister of India & Governor of State.
Prime Minister of India: The Prime Minister is the chief executive of India and the head of the Council of
Ministers. As the real head of the government, the Prime Minister exercises vast powers and
responsibilities in both domestic and international affairs.
1. Head of Government: Leads the central government and coordinates the functions of different
ministries.
2. Policy Maker: Plays a key role in formulating and implementing policies of the government.
4. Link between President and Council of Ministers: Advises the President on the appointment of
ministers and conveys cabinet decisions.
5. Leader of the Parliament: Leads the majority party in the Lok Sabha and ensures the passage of
government bills.
6. Crisis Manager: Takes key decisions during emergencies and national issues.
The Prime Minister is considered the most powerful person in India’s parliamentary system, wielding
both executive and legislative influence.
Governor of a State: The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President of
India for a term of five years.
1. Executive Powers: Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, state advocates, and
members of the State Public Service Commission.
2. Legislative Powers: Summons and prorogues state legislative sessions, gives assent to bills, and
can dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
3. Judicial Powers: Has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and respites for offenses against
state laws.
4. Emergency Role: Can recommend President’s Rule if the constitutional machinery fails in the
state.
Though largely ceremonial, the Governor plays a vital role during political uncertainty in a state, making
them an important constitutional functionary.
Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies are integral components of the Indian Constitution,
designed to uphold the dignity and liberty of individuals and to ensure the rule of law. Enshrined in Part
III (Articles 12 to 35), Fundamental Rights are enforceable by courts, and Constitutional Remedies
provide the mechanism through which these rights are protected.
Fundamental Rights: The Fundamental Rights are essential for the overall development of individuals
and the functioning of democracy. The key rights include:
1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equality before law, prohibition of discrimination,
and abolition of untouchability and titles.
3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child
labor.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Provides freedom of conscience and the right to
profess, practice, and propagate religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the interests of minorities by allowing
them to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Empowers citizens to approach the Supreme
Court directly in case of violation of their rights.
Constitutional Remedies: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called Article 32 the "heart and soul of the Constitution". It
empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The five types
of writs are:
Thus, the combination of Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies creates a strong framework
for ensuring justice and protecting civil liberties in India.
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body comprising the President, the Rajya Sabha
(Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). It holds vast legislative, executive, financial,
and deliberative powers.
Legislative Powers:
1. Parliament can make laws on any subject in the Union List and the Concurrent List.
2. In special circumstances, it can also make laws on subjects in the State List (under Article 249).
Financial Powers:
Executive Powers:
1. Parliament exercises control over the executive through questions, debates, motions, and no-
confidence motions.
2. Can impeach the President, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Constitutional Functions:
1. Can amend the Constitution.
Thus, Parliament is not only a law-making body but also acts as a forum for discussion, criticism, and
control over the executive.
The Indian Judicial System is a single, unified and independent judicial structure. It follows a pyramidal
hierarchy with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts in states, and subordinate courts
at the district level.
Structure:
1. Supreme Court: Apex court, guardian of the Constitution, final appellate court.
3. Subordinate Courts: Include District Courts, Sessions Courts, and other lower courts.
Features:
4. Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Allows citizens to seek justice in matters of public concern.
It is the cornerstone of democracy and ensures that all citizens are treated equally before the law.
The Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Indian Constitution are essential
for the holistic development of individuals and the protection of their liberties and dignity. These rights
serve as the cornerstone of Indian democracy and provide a legal framework to ensure equality,
freedom, and justice for all citizens.
The Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning individuals can approach the courts if these rights are
violated. These rights not only protect citizens from arbitrary actions of the state but also uphold the
spirit of democracy by ensuring social, economic, and political justice.
o Equality before the law and equal protection of the laws (Article 14).
o Freedom of conscience and right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion
(Article 25).
o Freedom from taxes for promotion of any particular religion (Article 27).
o Provides the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of these Fundamental
Rights.
o The court can issue writs like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and
Quo-Warranto.
Fundamental Rights are subject to reasonable restrictions and can be suspended during a National
Emergency (except Articles 20 and 21). They form the bedrock of a democratic society and ensure that
all citizens are treated with dignity and fairness.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the
Indian Constitution. It is responsible for administering election processes in India at both the national
and state levels. The Commission ensures free, fair, and transparent elections, which are fundamental to
the functioning of a democratic system.
Structure of the Election Commission: Initially, the Election Commission was a single-member body.
Since 1993, it has been a multi-member body consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two
Election Commissioners.
1. Conduct of Elections:
o The ECI conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies,
and the offices of the President and Vice President of India.
o The Commission prepares and revises electoral rolls and ensures free registration of
eligible voters.
o It enforces the MCC to ensure ethical campaigning and prevent misuse of government
machinery during elections.
o The ECI monitors the expenditure of political parties and candidates to ensure it remains
within prescribed limits.
6. Adjudication of Disputes:
o It settles disputes related to the recognition of parties and allocation of symbols.
7. Voter Education:
o It runs voter awareness campaigns under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral
Participation (SVEEP) program.
8. Use of Technology:
o The ECI has introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verified Paper Audit
Trail (VVPAT), and various online services to enhance transparency.
The Election Commission has played a vital role in strengthening democracy by ensuring that
elections in India are conducted fairly and peacefully.
Political Parties:
Political parties are organized groups of individuals who share common political ideologies and
work together to attain political power within a democratic system. They perform essential
functions in a democracy by presenting candidates for elections, framing policies and programs,
shaping public opinion, and forming the government when successful. In India, political parties
are classified into national and state-level parties by the Election Commission based on their
performance and presence across regions. Examples of major political parties in India include
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), and regional parties like the
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP), etc.
1. Advocacy and Awareness: NGOs educate the public on critical social and political
issues and advocate for reforms.
2. Policy Implementation: They assist in executing government schemes effectively at the
grassroots level.
3. Human Rights Protection: NGOs like Amnesty International and PUCL work for the
protection of human rights and provide legal aid to marginalized groups.
4. Environmental Protection: Organizations such as the Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE) campaign for sustainable development and ecological balance.
5. Disaster Relief: NGOs play a pivotal role during natural calamities by offering food,
shelter, and medical aid.
Thus, both political parties and NGOs serve as pillars of Indian democracy. While political
parties participate in formal democratic processes, NGOs enhance civic engagement,
accountability, and social justice.
1. Constitutional Provisions:
The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Constitution
of India.
2. Appointment:
o The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and
other Election Commissioners (ECs).
o Usually, the commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two
Election Commissioners, but the number can be changed by the President.
3. Tenure:
o The CEC and Election Commissioners hold office for a term of 6 years or
until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
o They can resign earlier or be removed under certain conditions.
4. Removal:
o The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only by the same process
as a Supreme Court judge, i.e., through impeachment by Parliament on
grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
o The other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the
recommendation of the CEC.
Powers of the Election Commission of India
Natural Justice:
Natural Justice is a legal philosophy used to ensure fairness in legal and administrative
proceedings. It encompasses two main principles:
1. Nemo judex in causa sua (No one should be a judge in his own cause): This
ensures impartiality.
2. Audi alteram partem (Hear the other side): Everyone must get a fair chance to be
heard.
These principles are not codified laws but are embedded in judicial thinking and administrative
procedures. For instance, before dismissing an employee, an organization must provide an
opportunity for explanation. Natural justice prevents arbitrary decisions and upholds procedural
fairness, making it vital to democratic governance and rule of law.
Human Rights:
Human Rights are basic rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings, regardless of
nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. They include the right to life, liberty,
equality, education, and work. In India, many human rights are protected under Part III
(Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution. Internationally, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR), 1948, is a landmark document.
In conclusion, natural justice and human rights are foundational to justice, equality, and
democratic governance. Their protection ensures dignity and fairness in both individual and
institutional actions.
• Private Company:
o Formation:
▪ Requires at least 2 members and a maximum of 200 members.
▪ Must have minimum 2 directors.
▪ Incorporation involves submitting Memorandum of Association (MOA),
Articles of Association (AOA), and other documents to the Registrar of
Companies (ROC).
▪ Obtain Certificate of Incorporation.
o Winding up:
▪ Can be voluntary (by members or creditors) or compulsory (by court
order).
▪ Liquidator is appointed to settle debts and distribute remaining assets.
• Public Company:
o Formation:
▪ Requires at least 7 members, no maximum limit.
▪ Minimum 3 directors.
▪ Similar incorporation process as a private company but complies with
more stringent disclosure norms.
o Winding up:
▪ Can be voluntary or compulsory.
▪ Court usually supervises compulsory winding up.
▪ Liquidator appointed to handle assets and liabilities.
• One Person Company (OPC):
o Formation:
▪ Formed by a single person.
▪ Requires nominee to act in case of death/incapacity.
▪ Incorporation similar to private company with simpler compliance.
o Winding up:
▪ Follows voluntary or compulsory winding up procedure as per Companies
Act.
▪ Liquidator appointed to close affairs.
• Section 8 Company (Non-Profit):
o Formation:
▪ Formed for charitable or non-profit objectives.
▪ Requires license from the Central Government.
▪ Compliance with special provisions under Companies Act.
o Winding up:
▪ Voluntary or compulsory winding up, but assets are transferred to another
Section 8 or charitable organization.
▪ Liquidation overseen by the government or court.
2. Winding Up Procedures
General Meetings
• Notice of Meeting:
o Written notice must be sent to all members, directors, and auditors specifying
date, time, venue, and agenda.
o Usually, at least 21 days’ notice is required.
• Quorum:
o Minimum number of members required to conduct the meeting (varies by
company type and size).
• Chairman:
o The chairman of the board or a nominated person presides over the meeting.
• Agenda and Resolutions:
o Business is transacted as per the agenda.
o Resolutions may be ordinary (simple majority) or special (requires 3/4th majority).
• Voting:
o Can be by show of hands, voice vote, or poll.
o Proxy voting is allowed where members appoint someone to vote on their
behalf.
• Minutes:
o Proceedings and decisions are recorded in minutes, signed by the chairman, and
maintained as official records.