Salient Features of the Constitution – Part I (Single Citizenship, Universal Franchise, Fundamental Rights & Duties)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and their definitions from the chapter on Salient Features of the Indian Constitution (Single Citizenship, Universal Franchise, Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties).

Single Citizenship

India provides for a single citizenship for all Indians, regardless of the state of domicile; there is no state-level citizenship.

Dual Citizenship for PIOs

By the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) may enjoy privileges of Indian citizenship except the right to vote.

PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin)

People who have Indian parents, grandparents, or an Indian spouse; eligible for certain privileges under the 2003 amendment, but not universal voting rights.

Cessation of Indian Citizenship by operation of law

When a person acquires foreign citizenship, Indian citizenship ceases by operation of law (Section 9 of the Citizenship Act); such cessation is not voluntary.

Supreme Court (2024) on citizenship

Court held that children of persons who acquired foreign citizenship cannot seek to resume Indian citizenship; cessation is deemed by operation of law.

Universal Adult Franchise

All persons aged 18 and above have the right to vote, irrespective of caste, colour, religion, etc.

Joint Electorate

System where resident voters in a constituency vote for the same candidates, irrespective of caste or creed.

Equality before Law (Article 14)

Law and protection of law apply equally to all, with no discrimination on grounds like caste, color, or religion.

Equality of Opportunity (Article 16)

Equality of opportunity in matters of employment; reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs are possible by law.

Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17)

Untouchability and its practice are abolished and punishable by law.

Abolition of Titles (Article 18)

Abolishes titles like Rai Sahib, Khan Bahadur, Maharaja; some honors (e.g., Bharat Ratna) are exempt.

Right to Information (RTI)

RTI is an implied fundamental right (linked to Article 19); RTI Act (2005) enables citizens to seek information from public authorities.

Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22)

A cluster of six freedoms: speech and expression, peaceful assembly, forming associations, movement, residence, and profession.

Six Fundamental Freedoms (Article 19)

Freedom of speech and expression; assemble peacefully; form associations; move freely; reside and settle in India; practice any profession or occupation.

Right to Privacy (Fundamental Right)

Declared a fundamental right in 2017; derived from Articles 14, 19, and 21; not absolute and subject to reasonable restrictions.

Restrictions on Privacy

State may limit privacy for lawful, legitimate aims with lawful justification, legitimate state need, and proportional means.

Emergency and Suspension of Rights

During a national emergency (Article 352), Fundamental Rights can be suspended and writs may be restricted.

Writs under Article 32

Legal remedies issued by Supreme Court/High Courts: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.

Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23–24)

Prohibits trafficking in humans and forced labor; prohibits employment of children under 14 in hazardous work; allows detention with safeguards.

Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28)

Freedom of conscience and professing, practicing and propagating religion; manage religious affairs; protect religious institutions; no compulsion to promote religion.

Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)

Minorities have the right to preserve language, script, culture; right to establish and administer minority educational institutions.

Right to Education (Article 21A)

86th Amendment (2002) inserted 21A: the State must provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6–14.

Right to Property (Article 300A)

Right to property ceased to be a Fundamental Right via the 44th Amendment (1978); now a legal right.

Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

Ten duties for citizens (e.g., upholding Constitution, defending the country, promoting harmony, protecting environment); added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).

42nd Amendment Act (1976)

Introduced Fundamental Duties into the Constitution.

86th Amendment Act (2002)

Added Article 21A, making education (6–14) free and compulsory.

44th Amendment Act (1978)

Removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights; it became a legal right under Article 300A.

MISA, ESMA, PDA, NSA, DIR

Laws (e.g., MISA, ESMA, PDA, NSA, DIR) that enable the state to restrict Fundamental Rights in the interest of national security and public order.