School of Law and Governance

BALAW2002C04 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW -I L T P C

Version: 1.2 4 0 0 4
Pre-requisites//Exposure Legal Aptitude, Legal Methods
co-requisites
Semester II
Programme B.A. LL.B.(H)

1.0. Course Description

This course is designed impart the basic knowledge about the constitutional framework which
covers Citizenship, Fundamental Rights and available remedial measures for the infringement of
Fundamental Rights such as Writ Jurisdiction, Directive Principles of State Policy and its
relationship with Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and the related topics. As the
subject is contemporary and relevant in all days of life, the course covers the current
controversies and the contemporary issues.
Indian Constitution is the supreme legislation of India and students of LL.B. Course are expected
to have in depth knowledge on the subject. It is very dynamic and ever changing subject and the
very heart and soul of ‘we the people of India’. Accordingly, outmost importance is being given
upon the recent changes and latest development in the subject along with latest judicial
decisions.
2.0 Course Objectives:

Constitutional Law carries a very important role in today’s curriculum of every law school. Its
study has following objectives:

1. To understand the jurisprudential aspect of the rights guaranteed to the citizens by the
Constitution of India.
2. To study constitutional governance through a detailed analysis of rights, duties and
directive principles of state policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
3. To analyze the relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles of state
policy as both are indispensible elements for good governance of country.
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3.0 Course Outcomes

On completion of this course, the students will be able to:
1. Understand the meaning nature and salient features of the Constitution of India.
2. Understand the jurisprudence of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to the citizens of
India
3. Learn the Fundamental rights and duties guaranteed by the constitution
4. Acquire a basic knowledge of the constitutional remedies in case of violation of
fundamental rights
5. Study the interrelationship between fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive
principles of state policy and their role in achieving the constitutional goals
6. Analyse the case law critically in the context of the ideal of a welfare state
4.0. Pedagogy
A various learning methods will be used which will emphasize a cooperative learning format.
Student led discussions and presentations will be combined with instructor facilitated
experiences and lectures. Specific methods include:
 Class Room Discussion
 Lecture Method
 Presentations
 Case Studies
 Projects
 Court Room Exercise
 Problem method

5.0. Evaluation Scheme:

 30% - Continuous Internal Assessment (Formative in nature but also contributing to the
final grades).
 70% - End Term External Examination (University Examination).

Course Contents
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MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION Weightage 5%

 Meaning of Constitution, Constitutionalism

 Conceptualization of Constitutional Governance : Rule of Law, Separation of Powers,
Federalism, Preamble and Basic Structure Doctrine

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.276-303. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 1-20, 477, 724-735.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.1-17.
 Singh. M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11 th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.1-4.
 Granville Austine, “The Indian Constitution - Cornerstone of a Nation” 7 th Edition,
Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2004.
 Dicey. A.V., “An Introduction to the study of Law of the Constitution”, 10 th Edition,
Universal Law Publishing Co., Pvt., Ltd., Delhi, 2008, Pp.1-36, 183-205.
 K.C. Wheare Federal Government (1947)

Case Laws:

1. Keshavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala AIR 1973 SC 1461

2. Indira Nehru Gandhi vs. Raj Narain AIR 1975 SC 2299
3. Minerva Mills Ltd., Union of India AIR 1980 SC 1789
4. S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India AIR 1994 SC 1918
5. MP Gopalakrishnan Nair vs. State of Kerala AIR 2005 SC 3053
6. Ashok Kumar Thakkur vs. Union of India 2008(6) SCC 1
7. State of West Bengal Vs. Committee for the Protection of Democratic Rights WB AIR
2010 SC 1476

MODULE 2 : UNION OF INDIA, ITS TERRITORY & CITIZENSHIP Weightage 10%

 Territory of India, Admission or establishment of New States, Cession of Territory to

Foreign Country
 Citizenship – Constitutional Provisions, The Citizenship Act, 1955

Recommended Readings:
 School of Law and Governance

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.304-348. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp.792-799.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.21-45.
 Singh.M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.5-22
 Subhash C Jain, “The Constitution of India: A Commemorative Edition on 50 Years of
Indian Constitution”, Taxmann, Delhi, 2000, Pp.759-761.

Case Law:

1. State of Bihar vs. Amar Singh AIR 1955 SC 282

2. In re Berubari vs. Union of India AIR 1960 SC 51
3. State Trading Corporation vs. Commercial Tax Officer AIR 1963 SC 1811
4. Kulathil Mammu vs. State of Kerala AIR 1966 SC 1614
5. Maganbhai Ishwarbhai Patel etc., vs. Union of India &Anr AIR 1969 SC 783
6. Consumer Education Society vs. Union of India (2009) 11 Scale 708
7. Baby Manji Yamada vs. Union of India and Anr.AIR2009SC84
8. Jan Balaz vs.Anand Municipality and 6 Ors.AIR2010Guj21

MODULE 3 : FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS Weightage 10%

 Fundamental Rights, Origin & Development

 Laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights, Doctrine of Eclipse, Doctrine of
Severability, Doctrine of Waiver & Judicial Review

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.349-434. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp.827-854.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.46-76.
 Singh.M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.23-43.
 Basu. D D., “Human Rights in Constitutional Law”, 3rd edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhwa, Nagpur, 2008, Pp.54-85.

Case Law:
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1. Bhikaji vs. State of MP AIR 1955 SC 781

2. RMDC Vs. Union of India AIR 1957 SC 628
3. Rajasthan State Electricity Board vs. Mohanlal AIR 1967 SC 1857
4. State of Gujarat vs. Shri Ambika Mills Ltd., AIR 1974 SC 1300
5. Sukhdev vs. Bhagatram AIR 1975 SC 1331
6. SabhajiTewary vs. Union of India AIR 1975 SC 1329
7. Ramanna D. Shetty vs. International Airport Authority AIR 1979 SC 1628
8. Som Prakash vs. Union of India AIR 1981 SC 212
9. Ajay Hasia vs. Khalid Mujib AIR 1981 SC 487
10. P.K. Ramachandra Iyer vs. Union of India AIR 1984 SC 541
11. Central Inland Water Transport Corporation vs. Brojo Nath AIR 1986 SC 1571
12. Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation AIR 1986 SC 180
13. Unni Krishnan.J.P.vs. State of Andhra Pradesh AIR 1993 SC 2178
14. Narsingh Pal vs. UOI AIR 2000 SC 1401
15. Pradeep Kumar Biswas vs. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and Ors., AIR 2002 SC
1963
16. A.C Muthaiah vs. Board of Control for Cricket in India &Anr. 2011 (5) SCALE 68

MODULE 4 : RIGHT TO EQUALITY Weightage 20%

 Equality before the Law and Equal Protection of Laws.

 Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment & Reservation
 Abolition of Untouchability & Titles

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.435-692. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 855-980.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.77-245.
 Singh. M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11 th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.44-116.
 Subhash C Jain, “The Constitution of India: A Commemorative Edition on 50 Years of
Indian Constitution”, Taxmann, Delhi, 2000, Pp.762-772.

Case-Law:

1. Chiranjit Lal vs. UOI AIR 1951 SC 41

2. State of West Bengal vs. Anwar Ali Sarkar & Anr. AIR 1952 SC 75
3. MR Balaji vs. State of Mysore AIR 1963 SC 649
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4. E.P. Royappa vs. State of Tamil Nadu AIR 1974 SC 555

5. State of Kerala vs. NM Thomas AIR 1976 SC 490
6. RD Shetty vs. International Airport Authority AIR 1981 SC 487
7. Central Inland Water Transport Corporation vs. Brojo Nath AIR 1986 SC 1571
8. Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India 1992 Supp. 2 SCR 454
9. Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan AIR 1997 SC 3011
10. Apparel Export Promotion Council vs. AK Chopra (1999) 1 SCC 759
11. Sourabh Chaudhari vs. Union of India AIR 2004 SC 361
12. Amita vs. Union of India and Anr (2005) 13 SCC 721
13. M. Nagraj vs. Union of India AIR 2007 SC 71
14. Ashok Kumar Thakur vs. Union of India (2008) 6 SCC 1
15. Ashok Kumar Yadav vs. State of Haryana (1985) 4 SCC 417
16. Amarnath Choudhary vs. Braithwaite & Co., Ltd., (2002) 2 SCC 290
17. Indian Medical Association vs. Union of India AIR 2011 SC 2365

MODULE 5 : RIGHT TO FREEDOMS Weightage 15%

 Importance of Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Advertisement, Right to

Information and its importance, Reasonable Restrictions
 Freedom to Carryout Trade & Commerce, Trading in Liquor, Betting and Gambling,
Right of Street Hawkers - extent and scope and restrictions.
 Freedom to Assemble, Freedom to Form Association, Freedom of Movement & Right to
Property

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.693-947. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 980-1054.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.246-347.
 Singh. M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11 th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.117-175.

Case-Law:

1. Ramesh Thapper vs. State of Maharashtra AIR 1950 SC 124

2. Brij Bhushan vs. State of Delhi AIR 1950 SC 129
3. Bennet Coleman vs. Union of India AIR 1973 SC 106
4. State of Uttar Pradesh vs. Rajnarain AIR 1975 SC 865
5. Tata Press Ltd., vs. MTNL AIR 1975 SC 2438
6. Sadan Singh vs. NDMC AIR 1985 SC 1988
7. Express News Paper Pvt Ltd., vs. Union of India AIR 1986 SC 515
8. R Rajagopal vs. State of TN AIR 1995 SC 264
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9. Bharat Kumar K Palicha vs. State of Kerala AIR 1997 Ker 291
10. People’s Union of Civil Liberties vs. Union of India AIR 1997 SC 568
11. Zee telefilms Pvt Ltd., vs. Union of India AIR 2005 SC 2677
12. R.K. Anand vs. Delhi High Court (2009) 8 SCC 106
13. Ajay Goswami vs. Union of India (2007) 1 SCC 143
14. Central Board of Secondary Education &Anr vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay& others
2011 (4) JCR 14 SC

MODULE 6 – RIGHT TO LIFE & PERSONAL LIBERTY Weightage 15%

 Protection against Ex-post facto Law, Double jeopardy, Self-incrimination

 Right to life and personal liberty, Due Process of Law and Procedure Established by Law
 Right to Education
 Preventive detention
 Right against Exploitation – Prevention of traffic in human being, Begar, Forced and
Child Labour

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.969-1258. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 1055-1199.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.347-468.
 Singh. M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11 th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.177-232.
Case Laws:

1. AK Gopalan vs. State of Madras AIR 1950 SC 27

2. State of Bombay vs. Kallu Kutti Oghad AIR 1961 SC 1808
3. Kharak Singh vs. State of UP AIR 1963 SC 1295
4. Maneka Gandhi Vs. Union of India AIR 1978 SC 597
5. M.H. Haskot vs. State of Maharashtra AIR 1978 SC 1548
6. Sunil Batra vs. Delhi Administration AIR 1978 SC 1675
7. Nandini Satpaty vs. PL Dani (1978) 2 SCC 424
8. Hussainara Khatoon vs. Home Secretary, Bihar AIR 1979 SC 1360
9. Prem Shankar Shukla AIR 1980 SC 1535
10. Francis Coralie vs. Union of India AIR 1981 SC 746
11. People’s Union for Democratic Republic vs. Union of India AIR 1981 SC 746
12. AK Roy vs. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 710
13. Rudal Shah vs. State of Bihar AIR 1983 SC 1086
14. Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation AIR 1986 SC 180
15. Saheli vs. Commissioner of Police AIR 1990 SC 513
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16. Unnikrishnan vs. State of AP (1993) 1 SCC 645

17. Gian Kaur vs. State of Punjab AIR 1996 SC 946
18. Mr.X vs. Hospital Z AIR 1999 SC 496
19. State of Himachal Pradesh vs. Raja Mahendra Pal AIR 1999 SC 1786
20. NHRC vs. Arunachal Pradesh AIR 1999 SC 343
21. Aneesh Malhotra vs. Union of India (2009) 6 SCC 398
22. Nandini Sundar& others vs. State of Chattisgarh Writ Petition (Civil) No. 250 of 2007

MODULE 7 - FREEDOM OF RELIGION & MINORITY RIGHTS Weightage 10%

 Religion – Concept and meaning, Religion and Secularism.

 Constitutional Safeguards to Minorities and their Right to Establish Educational
Institutions & their regulation.

Recommended Readings:

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.1259-1353. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 1200-1252.
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.468-517.
 Singh.M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.238-272.
 Subhash C Jain, “The Constitution of India: A Commemorative Edition on 50 Years of
Indian Constitution”, Taxmann, Delhi, 2000, Pp.773-785.

Case-Law:

1. Sri Venkataramana Devaru vs. State of Mysore AIR 1958 SC 255

2. SP Mittal vs. Union of India AIR 1983 SC 620
3. Gulam Abbas vs. state of UP (1984) 1 SCC 81
4. Bijoe Emmanuel vs. state of Kerala (1986) 3 SCC 615
5. In re The Kerala Education Bill
6. St . Stephen’s college vs. university of Delhi (1992) 1 SCC 558
7. S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India AIR 1994 SC 1918
8. Lily Thomas vs. UOI (2000) 6 SCC 224
9. TMA Pai Foundation vs. State of Karnataka (2002) 8 SCC 481
10. Islamic Academy of Edn vs. State of Karnataka (2003) 6 SCC 697
11. Commissioner of Police vs. Acharya Jagdishwarananda MANU/SC/0218/2004
12. P.A. Inamdar vs. State of Maharashtra (2005) 6 SCC 537
13. Singhi Education Society vs. The Chief Secretary, Govt of NCT of Delhi (2010) 8 SCC 49

MODULE 8 – RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES Weightage 5%

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 Enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

 Writs & Public Interest Litigation.
 Emergency and Fundamental Rights

Recommended Reading:

 Seervai.H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.1449-1920. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5 th Edition, Lexis NexisButterworthsWadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 396-434,673-705,1307-1362, .
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14 th Edition, Lexis
NexisButterworthsWadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.547-625, 2155-2197.
 Singh.M.P., “V.N.Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.318-340, 942-979.
 Subhash C Jain, “The Constitution of India: A Commemorative Edition on 50 Years of
Indian Constitution”, Taxmann, Delhi, 2000, Pp.877-879.

Case-Law:

1. Fertilizer Corporation Kamgar Union (Regd) Sindri& Others vs. Union of India &
Others AIR 1981 SC 844
2. S.P. Gupta& Others vs. President of India AIR 1982 SC 149
3. MC Mehta vs. Union of India AIR 1987 SC 1086
4. Bodhisattwa vs. Subha Chakraborty AIR 1996 SC 922
5. Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra (2002) 4 SCC388
6. Kannadasan vs. Ajay Khose (2009) 7 SCC1
7. State of W.B. vs. Committee for Protection of Human Rights AIR 2010 SC 1476
8. State of Uttaranchal vs. Balwant Singh (2010) 3 SCC 402

Module 9 - Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties Weightage 10%

 Directive Principles - directions for social change

 Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles - inter-relationship
 Fundamental duties

Recommended Readings :

 Seervai. H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th Edition, Universal Law Publishing Co.,
Pvt., Ltd, Delhi, 2010, vol. 1, Pp.1921-2020. 
 Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law”, 5th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhawa,
Nagpur, 2008, Pp. 1363-1396 .
 Basu. DD., “Shorter Constitution of India”, 14th Edition, Lexis Nexis Butterworths
Wadhawa, Nagpur, 2009, Pp.629-666.
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 Singh.M.P., “V.N. Shukla’s Constitutional Law of India”, 11th Edition, Eastern Book
Company, Lucknow, 2008, Pp.342-362.
 Subhash C Jain, “The Constitution of India : A Commemorative Edition on 50 Years of
Indian Constitution”, Taxmann, Delhi, 2000, Pp.791-794.

Case-Law:

1. Mohd Hanif Qureshi vs. State of Bihar AIR 1958 SC 731

2. Minerva Mills Ltd vs. Union of India AIR 1980 SC 1789
3. Sarla Mudgal vs. Union of India (1995) 3 SCC 635
4. State of Tamil Nadu vs. Abu Kamer Bai AIR 1984 SC 626
5. IR Coelho vs. State of T.N. AIR 2007 SC 861
6. State of Gujarat vs. Gajaji MANU/GJ/0289/2011

Note: In each Module latest cases presumed to be the part and parcel of the syllabus.

Content Interaction Plan:

Lecture cum
Discussion Unit/Topic/Sub-Topic
(Each session of
1 Hour)
1-2

3-5

6-7

8-13

14-17

18-19

20-21

22-31

32-33

34-38

39
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40

41

42

43

44

45

15 Hours Tutorials