There were originally 395 articles in the Indian Constitution, on the day it came into force. Today, there are 448 articles, over 25 parts and 12 schedules. Articles of the Indian Constitution are often asked in CLAT and AILET, in the Legal Reasoning or Current Affairs section. Here’s a list of important articles of the Constitution of India that you should know:
Provides the name and territory of the union.
Formation of new states, alteration of areas boundaries or names of existing states.
Citizenship at the commencement of the constitution.
Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights.
Equality before the law.
Codified according to the concept of Rule of Law.
Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Abolition of untouchability.
Guarantees the protection of rights like-
(a) freedom of speech and expression
(b) Freedom to assemble peaceably and without arms
(c) Freedom to form associations or unions
(d) Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India
(e) Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India
(f) Right to property, no longer a fundamental right. Moved to Article 300 (A)
(g) Freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
Pay special attention to all the sub-clauses, as they may be asked in relation to any current affairs topic.
Protection of life and personal liberty.
Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
Right to constitutional remedies.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had called this article the ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Indian Constitution.
Uniform Civil Code.
Till date, the Uniform Civil Code is applicable in only the state of Goa.
Separation of judiciary from the executive.
Mentions the fundamental duties of the citizens. They are 11 in number.
The President of India.
First President of India- Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Shortest-serving President- Dr. Zakir Hussain.
First woman President- Smt. Pratibha Patil.
Current President- Dr. Ram Nath Kovind.
The Vice–president of India.
First Vice-President of India- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
Current Vice-President- M. Venkaiah Naidu.
Pardoning powers of the President.
They are of five types- Pardon, Reprieve, Remit, Respite and Commute.
Brush up on these articles, and read more about them.
Read newspapers frequently, because you would find such articles mentioned quite often.
Stay tuned for the next part.
All the best!