National Law University Odisha

COURSE OUTLINE

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II

SEMESTER – III
COURSE: B.A., LL.B./ B.B.A. LL.B.
July 2020 to December 2020
Course Credit: 4

Course Instructors:

Dr. Rangin Pallav Tripathy

Assistant Professor of Law
(rangintripathy@nluo.ac.in)

Ms. Rishika Khare

Assistant Professor of Law
(rishika.khare@nluo.ac.in)
COURSE DESCRIPTION

Constitutional law at the National Law University Odisha is offered in two semesters as

Constitutional Law-I comprising of “Institutions of Governance and Centre State

Relations” and Constitutional Law II dealing with “Fundamental Rights, Directive

Principles and Duties”. Since Fundaments Rights are nothing but restraints on

governing power, institutions of governance have been incorporated as part of

Constitutional Law-I to be followed by Constitutional Law II which will introduced to

the students the concept of Fundamental Rights.

A constitutional democracy is founded on the principle of limited governmental power

i.e. the scope and extent of the powers of the different branches of the government are

defined and controlled. The purpose of this controlled scheme of power distribution is

to ensure that certain fundamental civil liberties of the people are not violated by

arbitrary exercise of power. An unconditional guarantee of fundamental civil liberties

remains a non-negotiable element of any constitutional democracy. The range of civil

liberties protected under the constitution reflects the societal ideology towards the

value of individuals.

The extent of fundamental rights people enjoy under the constitutional scheme is the

core of the relationship between the individual and the state. This course is aimed at

understanding the dynamics of the various such guarantees incorporated in Part-III of

the Constitution of India under the title of ‘Fundamental Rights’.

It further aims to familiarize students with the concept, debates and controversies

relating to the fundamental rights explicitly guaranteed by the Constitution and how

Supreme Court has broadened the list beyond the explicit constitutional guarantees,

with a focus on selected issues of contemporary importance such as discrimination,

arbitrary action and dispersion of governmental power and affirmative action/reverse

discrimination and minority rights.

LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE

At the end of the course the students will be able:

 To assess the significance of the guaranteed civil liberties in modern constitutional

democracies

 To be able to determine the exact scope and nature of protections provided by the

constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights

 To critically analyse the concept of fundamental rights and their significance in the

constitutional scheme of India

 To develop the capacity to identify whether guaranteed fundamental rights have

been violated in a given factual context

 To have a nuanced assessment of the Directive Principles of State Policy and the

Fundamental Rights

CLASS PREPARATION

Class preparation involves reading the full judgment or other assigned material before

class. Students are expected to be ready to state the facts and relevant legal issue(s) in

the given case and assess the decision as well as the reasoning of the concerned case law

and/or being ready to summarise the pertinent points/arguments given by the

concerned author.

EVALUATION SYSTEM

The examination system of the University promotes continuous review and ensures

transparent evaluation methods. Assessment of the students, in all probabilities will

take place online, through viva mode or submission of article or online open book

examination. Assessment will be designed considering the accessibility of online classes

and study material for each student and details of assessment will be intimated to

students in due time.

LECTURE PLAN

Modules Title Number of Lectures (60)

I Citizenship in the Indian Constitution & 7

Introduction to Fundamental Rights
II Concept of State and State Action 6

III Right to Equality – I 8

IV Right to Equality – II 8

V Six Freedoms 6

VI Right to Life and Personal Liberty 8

VII Liberty of Faith, Religion and Secularism 6

VIII Cultural and Social Rights with Relevant 3

Directives
IX Exceptions to Fundamental Rights and their 4
Enforcement
X Directive Principles of State Policy and 4
Fundamental Duties
MODULE -I – Citizenship in the Indian Constitution & Introduction to Fundamental
Rights

 Description of the Module:

The module in the first part will discuss Articles 5 to 11 and the Citizenship Act,
1955 to focus on the modes of acquiring and loss of citizenship. The module will also
address the recent debate around the legality of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
This Module, in the Second Part will address the question how fundamental are the
fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. It will deal with certain basic
classifications and concepts like political and civil rights, group rights, rights rooted
respectively in equality and liberty values, rights granted to persons, citizens or
some specified groups. It will further involve discussion on specifically enumerated
rights, restrictions on such rights and any unenumerated rights, if any under the
Indian Constitution. It further introduces concept of rights as restraints on
governing power.

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Introduction)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XVIII
 Optional Readings:
o Constituent Assembly Debates, Official Report, Lok Sabha Secretariat, New
Delhi.

MODULE-II - Concept of State and State Action/ Breach of Rights and Violation of
Fundamental Rights (Article 12 & 13)

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with a discussion on ‘definition of State under Article 12’,
‘judicial approach and assessment of Article 12’, ‘meaning of ‘Other Authorities’,
and ‘position of Judiciary under Article 12’.

The module then goes on to deal with the definition of Law in Article 13. It further
discusses prospective operation of Fundamental Rights and Doctrine of Eclipse. It
will then address the question of possibility of waiver of Fundamental Rights. It also
covers discussion on few important theories and doctrines like ‘subject matter and
 effect theories’ and ‘Doctrine of Severability’. The Module also seeks to touch upon
debate around Article 13 and Personal Law

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-12 & 13)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XX
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 1, Chapter – VII & VIII
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III pp. 410-411 & Vol. VII, pp. 607-612)
o 145th Report of the Law Commission of India on Article 12 and Public
Undertakings.

MODULE-III – FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS I - Right to Equality - I

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with the concept of rule of law as propounded by Dicey and
other jurists that is read under Article 14 in the Indian Constitution. Further it
discuss the concepts of equality, Right to equal respect and concern under Article 14,
a brief view of the Doctrine of Classification and the Rule of Nexus; and arbitrary
state action

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-7-11)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXI-XXIII
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 1, Chapter IX
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III, pp. 457), (Vol. VII, pp. 797-8, 842-857,
859, 999-1001), Vol. III, pp. 410-1, (Vol. VII, p. 650-660)

MODULE-IV – FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS I - Right to Equality - II

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with the Right against discrimination under Article 15,16(2),29(2)
and positive discrimination provided in Article 15 and 16 to protect certain sections
of the society. It also includes Right to equal opportunity i) Admission to
 educational institution under Article 14,29(2), ii) Public services Article 16(1). It then
deals with Compensatory jurisdiction of the court under Article 15(4) and
(5),16(4)(4A)(4B).

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-7-11)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXI-XXIII
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 1, Chapter IX
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III, pp. 457), (Vol. VII, pp. 797-8, 842-857,
859, 999-1001), Vol. III, pp. 410-1, (Vol. VII, p. 650-660)

MODULE-V - Fundamental Rights II (Six Freedoms - Article 19)

 Description of the Module:

The fourth module begins with an ‘overview of Articles 19-22’, ‘general discussion
on the Rights guaranteed under Article 19’, ‘corporations and Article 19 Rights’ and
‘reasonableness of restrictions’.

The module essentially will deal with the ‘six freedoms guaranteed to a citizen
under Indian Constitution’. It will deal with ‘justification, categories, connotation
and limitations of free speech’.

It will further look at the rest of the Article 19 Rights’ relating to assembly,
association, movement and residence and professions, occupation, trade and
business.

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter- 1 & 2)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXIV
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 1, Chapter X
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III, pp. 445-456, (Vol. VII, p. 730-760)
MODULE-VI- Fundamental Rights III (Life and Personal Liberty- Article 20-22)

 Description of the Module

The Module will consist of ‘meaning and content of Right to Life’ (general scope,
exclusive constitutional rights, rights in nature of both constitutional and ordinary
legal rights), ‘judicial detour from Gopalan to Maneka’ (relation between Article 19,
21 and 22), and ‘meaning of Personal Liberty’.

It will then cover ‘punitive deprivation of life and personal liberty’ which will
include the ‘three guarantees of Article 20’ (against ex post facto laws, double
jeopardy, and self-incrimination), ‘protection against arrest and detention’ and
‘residuary features of fair procedure’.

It will finally give ‘an overview of the constitutional scheme on preventive

detention’ and entail discussion on ‘death sentence and its constitutionality’ and
‘prisoners’ rights’.

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter- 3, 4 & 5)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXV- XXVII
 A.K.Gopalan v. State of Madras
 Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 2, Chapter XI
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. VII- p. 53-54, 848-852, 1000-1001)
o 180th Report of the Law Commission of India on Self Incrimination

MODULE-VII- Fundamental Rights IV (Liberty of faith and worship and Secularism,

Articles 25-28)

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with the meaning and nature of Secularism under Indian
Constitution. It will then discuss individual and denominational freedom of religion
(Article 25 and 26 and their interrelationship, rights guaranteed under Article 25,
limitations on Article 25 Rights, religious denominations and their freedom). It will
 discuss the idea of common citizenship and non-entanglement of the state with
religion.
 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter- 6)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXIX
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 2, Chapter XII
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. VII p. 831-837)

MODULE-VIII - Fundamental Rights V (Educational, cultural and social rights

(Articles 21A, 29, 30 and relevant directives)

 Description of the Module:

The module consists of discussion on ‘right of a group to retain its distinct identity’,
‘meaning of minority and minority educational institution’, ‘minority’s right to
establish and administer educational institutions’. It further includes discussion on
‘non-minority private educational institutions

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-10-11)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXVII-A, XXX
 J.P. Unikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1993 SC 2178
 T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002) 8 SCC 481
 Islamic Academy of Edn. & Anr. vs. State of Karnataka & Ors, AIR 2003 SC 3724
 P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra, (2005) 6 SCC 537;
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 2, Chapter XIII
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III, pp. 497-504, (Vol. V, p. 396-402, Vol. VII,
pp. 895, 897-9)

MODULE-IX- Exceptions to Fundamental Rights and their Enforcement

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with a discussion on the exceptions to the fundamental rights
provided in Articles 31A, 31B and 31C. Module then focuses on ‘Concurrent
 Jurisdiction of Supreme Court and High Court’ followed by the ‘Obligation or
Discretion of the Supreme Court to provide remedy’ and the ‘kinds of Remedy’ (in
the form of Writs that is Mandamus, Habeas Corpus, Quo Warranto, Prohibition
and Certiorari, directions, orders and compensation).

It includes discussion on ‘Article 32 itself being a fundamental right’ and its ‘inter-
relationship with Article 226’. It then looks at High Courts ‘discretionary jurisdiction
and the extent or amplitude of such jurisdiction’.

It then discusses ‘Development of Public Interest Litigation/Social Action Litigation’

and concludes with a discussion on ‘Restrictions on the Right to Constitutional
Remedy if any’.

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-14)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXXIII
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 2, Chapter -XVI
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. III, pp. 520-2), (Vol. VII, p. 933-950)

MODULE-X- Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties

 Description of the Module:

The module begins with a ‘brief account of the Directives’ and goes on to discuss
‘how fundamental rights and directive principles are inter-related’. It will further
discuss the ‘alleged obstacles created by the Rights in implementation of the
Directives’. It will end with a discussion on ‘Fundamental Duties’.

 Recommended Reading:
 Uday Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and Their Enforcement (Chapter-15)
 M P Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 7th Edition, Chapter XXXIV
 Optional Readings:
o H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, Volume 2, Chapter -XVII
o Constituent Assembly Debates (Vol. VII, p. 41-44 & Vol. V, pp. 361-78)
OTHER CASES AND MATERIAL FOR REFERENCE

List of important cases for reference:

State and State Action (Article 12-13):

 A.R. Antuley v. R.S. Nayak (1988)2SCC 602

 Electricity Board, Rajasthan v. Mohan Lal AIR 1967 SC 1857
 Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib AIR 1981 SC 487
 Pradeep Kumar Biswas v. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (2002)5 SCC 111
 Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India, AIR 2005 SC 2677
 Keshavan Madhava Menon v. State of Bombay (1951) SCR 228
 Lachmandas Ahuja v. State of Bombay, AIR 1952 SC 235
 Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. State of M.P, AIR 1955 SC 781(Doctrine of Eclipse)
 Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017) 9 SCC 1


Equality jurisprudence of the Supreme Court, Article 14-17, 23-24

 Ram Krishna Dalmiya v. Justice Tendolkar, AIR 1958 SC 538;

 R.K. Garg v. Union of India AIR 1981 SC 2138
 Air India v. Narges Mirza, AIR 1981SC 1829
 E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu, AIR 1974 SC 555
 D.S. Nakara v. Union of India AIR 1983 SC 130
 In Re Special Court Bill, 1978, AIR 1979;
 Om Kumar v. Union of India, AIR 2000 SC 3689
 Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, AIR 1993 SC 477 (The Mandal Commission
Case)
 Indira Shawney v. Union of India, (1999) Supp 5 SCC 557 (559)
 Dr. Preeti Srivastava v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (1999)7 SCC 120
 P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra, (2005) 6 SCC 537;
 Ashok Kumar Thakur v. State of Bihar (2008)6 SCC 1.
 Joseph Shine v. Union of India, 2018 SCC OnLine SC 1676

Six Freedoms of a Citizen- Article 19

 Brij Bhusan v. Delhi, AIR 1950 SC 129

  Express Newspapers v. Union of India, AIR 1958 SC 578
 Hamdard Dawakhana v. Union of India, AIR 1960 SC 554
 Sakal Papers v. Union of India AIR 1962 SC 305
 Bennett Coleman v. Union of India, AIR 1973 SC 106
 Indian Express Newspapers(Bombay)Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India AIR 1986 SC 515
 Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, AIR 1987 SC 748
 R. Rajgopal v. State of Tamilnadu, AIR 1995 SC 264
 K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (Aadhaar-5 Judge), (2019) 1 SCC 1

Life and Personal Liberty (Article 20-22)

 A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras, [1950] SCR 88

 Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, AIR 1978 SC 597
 Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 802
 Bhim Singh v. State of Jammu & Kashmir, AIR 1986 SC 494
 D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, AIR 1997 SC 610
 Hussainara v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar, AIR 1979 SC 1360
 Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India, AIR 1996 SC 1446
 J.P. Unikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1993 SC 2178
 Kharak Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, AIR 1963 SC 1295
 Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India, AIR 2000 SC 3751
 National Human Rights Commission v. State of Arunachal Pradesh, AIR 1996 SC
1234
 Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa, AIR 1993 SC 1960
 Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation, AIR 1986 SC 180
 P. Rathinam Nagbhusan Patnaik v. Union of India, JT (1994) 3 SC 392
 Parmanand Katara v. Union of India, AIR 1989 SC 2039
 Paschim Bangal Khet Mazdoor Society v. State of West Bengal, AIR 1996 SC 2426
 People Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 568
 People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 568
 People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Police Commissioner, (1989) 4 SCC 730
 Rohtas Industries Ltd. v. Rotas Industries Ltd., AIR 1990 SC 481
 Rudul Shah v. State of Bihar, AIR 1983 SC 1086
 Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh, AIR 1989 SC
594
 Saheli v. Commissioner of Police, AIR 1954 SC 513
  Satwant v. State of Punjab, AIR 1960 SC 266
 Sebastian Hongray v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 571
 Sheela Barse v. Secretary, Children Aid Society, AIR 1983 SC 378
 Sheela Barse v. Union of India, AIR 1986 SC 1773
 Smt. Selvi & Ors. v. State of Karnataka, AIR 2010 SC
 Union of India v. Prakash P. Hinduja, AIR 2003 SC 2562
 Joseph Shine v. Union of India, 2018 SCC OnLine SC 1676
 Navtej Singh Johar v. UOI, (2018) 1 SCC 791

Liberty of faith and worship and Secularism, Articles 25-28

 S.R. Bommai v Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 1918

 Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1977 SC 908
 Gulam Abbas v. State of U.P. AIR 1981 SC 2198
 Church of God v. K.K.R.M.C. Welfare Association, AIR 2000 SC 2773
 Sardar Syeddna Taher Saifuddin Sahed v. State of Bombay (1962) Supp. (2) SCR
496
 Sastri Yagnapurushadji v. Muldas Bhudardas Vaishya (1966) 3 SCR 242
 Indian Young Lawyers’ Association v. State of Kerala 2018 SCC Online SC 1690
(Sabrimala Temple Case)

Educational, cultural and social rights (Articles 21A, 29, 30 and relevant directives)

 In Re Kerala Education Bill, AIR 1958 SC 956

 Rev. Father W. Proost v. State of Bihar, AIR 1969 SC 465
 State of Kerala v. Mother Provincial, AIR 1970 SC 2079
 Ahmadabad St. Xavier’s College v. State of Gujarat AIR 1974 SC 389
 St. Stephen’s College v. University of Delhi AIR 1992 SC 1630
 T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002) 8 SCC 481
 Islamic Academy of Edn. & Anr. vs. State of Karnataka & Ors, AIR 2003 SC 3724
 P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra, (2005) 6 SCC 537

Enforcement of Fundamental Rights (Article 32 and 226)

 State of Madras v. V. G. Row, AIR 1952 SC 196

 Daryao v. State of Uttar Pradesh, AIR 1961 SC
 Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 802
  P. L. Lakhanpal v. Union of India, AIR 1967 SC 908
 Lallubhai . Union of India, AIR 1981 SC 728
 Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan, AIR 1997 SC 3011

Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties

 State of Madras v. Champkan Dorairajan, AIR 1951 SC 226;

 Excel Wear v. Union of India, AIR 1979 SC 25;
 R.C.Cooper v. Union of India; 1970 AIR SC 1318
 Minerva Mills Ltd v. Union of India, AIR 1980 SC 1789;
 Waman Rao v. Union of India, AIR 1981 SC 271;
 I.R.Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu& Others, AIR 2007 SC.

Relevant Readings:

 A.V. Dicey: An Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution. Universal
Law Publishing Co.
 B.N. Rau: The Making of Indian Constitution.
 Basu, D.D., Commentary on the Constitution of India (8 Vol. ), Lexis Nexis,
Gurgaon. (Relevant Volumes)
 Choudhary, Sujit, Khosla, Madhav and Mehta, Pratap Bhanu, The Oxford
Handbook of The Indian Constitution, South Asia Edition, New Delhi.
 Constituent Assembly Debates, Official Report, Lok Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi.
(Relevant Portions)
 Glanville Austin: The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation. Oxford
University Press, New Delhi (1998).
 Granville Austin: Working A Democratic Constitution: The Indian Experience.
Oxford University Press (2002)
 H.R. Khanna: Freedom of Expression with Particular Reference to Freedom of the
Media,(1982)2SCC p. 1-9
 Jain, M.P, Indian Constitutional Law, (Vol. 1), Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhwa,
Nagpur
 Kashyap, C Subhash, Conflict and Controversies, Vitasta Publishing Private
Limited, New Delhi
 Kashyap, Subhash C., Constitution Making Since 1950- An Overview ( 6 Vol.),
Universal Law Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. (Relevant Volumes)
 M.P. Singh: The Statics and Dynamics of the Fundamental Rights and Directive
Principles-A Human Right’s Perspective. (2003) 5 SCC p.1-14
 Marshall, Geoffrey, Constitutional Theory, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1971
 Reddy, O Chinnappa, The Court and the Constitution of India-Summits and
Shallows, Oxford India
 Seervai, H.M.: Constitutional Law of India (3 Vol.), Universal Law Publishing Co.
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. (Relevant Volumes)
 Shiva Rao B.: The Framing of India’s Constitution (5 Vol.), Universal Law Publishing
Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. (Relevant Volumes)
 Shukla, V.N., Constitution of India, 11th Edition
 Supreme but not Infallible- Essays in Honour of the Supreme Court of India, Oxford
India.