Indian Constitution: Rights and Amendments

Amendments and Rights

• Education for individuals below 14 years is established as a fundamental right through the 86th amendment.
• The objective to protect and improve the natural environment and wildlife is categorized under directive principles of state policy.
• India’s rich national heritage ensures the protection of monuments and places of national importance.

Fundamental Rights and Duties

• Fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy complement and supplement each other.
• The fundamental duty of citizens includes working sincerely and respecting the rights of others.

Societal Protections

• Article 46 of the Constitution focuses on the socially and educationally weaker sections, specifically protecting Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Legal Aid and Judicial Structure

• Free legal aid and speedy trials are recognized as fundamental rights within the legal framework.
• The Supreme Court comprises a total of 30 judges, including the Chief Justice.

Judicial Appointments

• Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India, after consulting the Chief Justice.
• The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is also appointed by the President.

Judicial Conduct and Articles

• Judges can be removed due to proven misbehavior or incapacity.
• Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

State Governance

• The Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India.
• The Governor does not have military powers but possesses legislative and pardoning powers.

Responsibilities of the Governor

• The Governor is accountable to the state legislative assembly for actions taken while in office.

Judging and Retirement

• High Court judges retire at the age of 62.

Chief Minister Powers

• The Chief Minister is not empowered to control the state judiciary.

Qualifications for Governor

• A person must be at least 35 years old to be appointed as the Governor of a state.

Removing Chief Ministers

• The Governor has the authority to remove a Chief Minister from office.

Elections and Appointments

• Elections to a state legislature are conducted by the Election Commission of India.
• Members of the council of ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.

Legislative Assembly Powers

• The authority to dissolve a state legislative assembly lies with the state Governor.

Emergency Provisions

• Once declared, a national emergency remains effective for 6 months unless extended.
• During emergencies, the government can provide directions to the states.

Suspension of Rights

• There is an automatic suspension of rights under Article 19 during a state of emergency.

History of National Emergencies

• National emergencies have been declared three times in India.

State Emergency

• State emergency can be declared for failure of constitutional machinery within a state, also referred to as President's Rule.

Financial Emergency

• A financial emergency may be declared due to reasons like financial instability.

Engineering Responsibilities

• Responsibilities of engineers are generally divided into three categories.

Minimalist Approach

• A minimalist approach refers to adhering to minimum acceptable standards in practice.

Considerable Care

• Reasonable considerable care emphasizes attention to minimizing risks of harm to others.

Care and Minimalist Approach

• Considerable care goes beyond the minimalist approach, ensuring higher standards of safety and responsibility.

Explore the key amendments and fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This quiz covers the 86th amendment, directives for environmental protection, and the rights and duties of citizens. Test your knowledge on societal protections and legal aid provisions.