THE CONSTITUTION of INDIA | DD BASU | Chapter 8 Part A | FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Introduction to THE CONSTITUTION of INDIA| DD BASU | Chapter: Fundamental Rights (Articles 13-18) | Equality, Reservation & Social Justice UPSC Polity This Deep Dive lecture explores Part III of the Indian Constitution, the Fundamental Rights, covering the guarantee of your freedom and the foundational Articles 13 through 18. Key Learning Points: • Explore the foundational difference between the UK's Parliamentary Supremacy (Negative Rights) and the US's Judicial Supremacy (Bill of Rights). • Learn how the Indian Constitution adopted a unique synthesis, using Article 13(2) to allow courts to declare laws void if they violate fundamental rights, thereby acting as a check on Parliament. • Deep dive into Article 14, the Right to Equality, distinguishing between 'Equality Before the Law' and the concept of 'Equal Protection of the Laws'. • Understand 'Reasonable Classification'—the key to achieving true equality by treating unequal people unequally in similar circumstances (e.g., tax slabs). • Analyze Articles 15 and 16, which prohibit discrimination but allow for 'Protective Discrimination' for the advancement of disadvantaged groups, such as women and backward classes. • Examine the limits set on reservations, including the 50% ceiling and the 'Creamy Layer' principle established in the Indira Sahni case. • Discuss Articles 17 and 18 as tools for social revolution: abolishing untouchability (making its practice a punishable offense) and prohibiting aristocratic or hereditary titles. • Understand the distinction the Supreme Court made between prohibited titles and national honours like the Bharat Ratna. #UPSC #IAS #UPSC2025 #IndianPolity #FundamentalRights #Article14 #SocialJustice #DDbasu #UPSCpolity #GS2 #ConstitutionalLaw