Appearance
Introduction to Constitution — Cheat Sheet
Preamble keywords
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sovereign | Internally supreme and free from external control |
| Socialist | Reduce inequality; promote welfare of all |
| Secular | No official religion; all religions equal |
| Democratic | Government elected by and accountable to the people |
| Republic | Head of State (President) is elected, not hereditary |
| Justice | Social, economic, and political |
| Liberty | Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship |
| Equality | Equal status and equal opportunity |
| Fraternity | Spirit of brotherhood; dignity of the individual; unity and integrity |
Fundamental Rights at a glance
| Right | Articles | Key article |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Equality | 14–18 | 14 = equality before law |
| Right to Freedom | 19–22 | 19(1)(a) = speech; 21 = life & liberty |
| Right against Exploitation | 23–24 | 24 = no child labour below 14 |
| Right to Freedom of Religion | 25–28 | 25 = conscience & religion |
| Cultural and Educational Rights | 29–30 | 30 = minority institutions |
| Right to Constitutional Remedies | 32–35 | 32 = five writs |
The five writs (Article 32)
| Writ | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Habeas corpus | Produce the body; release a person unlawfully detained |
| Mandamus | Command a public authority to perform a duty |
| Prohibition | Stop a lower court/tribunal from exceeding jurisdiction |
| Quo warranto | By what authority; challenge a person holding a public office |
| Certiorari | Quash an order of a lower court/tribunal |
Key article cheat sheet
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 12 | Definition of "the State" |
| 13 | Laws inconsistent with FRs are void |
| 14 | Equality before law |
| 15 | No discrimination |
| 16 | Equality of opportunity in public employment |
| 17 | Abolition of untouchability |
| 18 | Abolition of titles |
| 19(1) | Six freedoms |
| 21 | Life and personal liberty |
| 21A | Right to education (6–14 years) |
| 22 | Protection against arrest |
| 24 | Prohibition of child labour |
| 25–28 | Freedom of religion |
| 30 | Minority educational rights |
| 32 | Writs and remedies |
| 33 | Parliament may modify FRs for Armed Forces, etc. |
Directive Principles quick table
| Article | Content |
|---|---|
| 37 | Non-justiciable |
| 38 | Social order / minimise inequalities |
| 39 | Policy principles (a–f) |
| 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid |
| 40 | Village panchayats |
| 41 | Right to work, education, public assistance |
| 42 | Humane conditions of work / maternity relief |
| 43 | Living wage for workers |
| 43A | Workers in management (42nd Amendment) |
| 43B | Co-operative societies (97th Amendment) |
| 44 | Uniform Civil Code |
| 45 | Early childhood care and education |
| 46 | SC/ST/weaker sections |
| 47 | Nutrition / public health / prohibition |
| 48 | Agriculture / animal husbandry |
| 48A | Environment |
| 49 | Monuments of national importance |
| 50 | Separation of judiciary from executive |
| 51 | International peace and security |
Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
- Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
- Cherish and follow the noble ideals of the national struggle for freedom.
- Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- Defend the country and render national service when called upon.
- Promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood; renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
- Protect and improve the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.
- Develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- Safeguard public property and abjure violence.
- Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
- Parent/guardian to provide education to child/ward between 6 and 14 years. (86th Amendment, 2002)