Which article was referred to as the 'the heart and soul' of the constitution by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?
- A.Article 4
- B.Article 32
- C.Article 28
- D.Article 30
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is Article 32. Speaking in the Constituent Assembly, Dr B.R. Ambedkar said that if he were asked to name the most important Article, one without which the Constitution would be a nullity, he could not refer to any other; it was "the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it". His reasoning was simple: a right without a remedy is only words on paper. Article 32 gives every person the right to go directly to the Supreme Court to enforce a Fundamental Right, and this right to a remedy is itself a Fundamental Right. The Supreme Court has held Article 32 to be part of the basic structure, so it cannot be taken away even by an amendment.
The wrong options are Article 4, which says that laws forming or changing States under Articles 2 and 3 are not amendments of the Constitution; Article 28, which bars religious instruction in fully State-funded institutions; and Article 30, on minority educational institutions. Keep this description apart from others: the Preamble is the "identity card" of the Constitution, according to N.A. Palkhivala.
Read the full article: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35): Notes, Writs and PYQs
Practice Questions
View allThe Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the ‘Bill of Rights’ of which of the following countries?
- A.Australia
- B.Japan
- C.The USSR
- D.The USA
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The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States, adopted in 1791, which protect freedoms such as speech and religion against the government.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following is NOT a fundamental right after the 44th Amendment Act, 1978 of Indian Constitution?
- A.Right to property
- B.Right to equality
- C.Right against exploitation
- D.Right to religion
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When the Constitution came into force, property was protected as a Fundamental Right in two places: Article 19(1)(f), the freedom to acquire, hold and dispose of property, and Article 31, protection against being deprived of property.
Read the full explanation →The Fundamental Rights have been guaranteed to protect the public from repressive state actions; judicial decisions tend to expand the scope of the word 'State' as defined by _______ of the Indian Constitution.
- A.Article 12
- B.Article 14
- C.Article 15
- D.Article 13
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Most Fundamental Rights are claims against the State, so whoever counts as the "State" is bound by them.
Read the full explanation →Which article of the Constitution of India abolishes the concept of ‘untouchability’ and prohibits its practice in any shape or form?
- A.16
- B.15
- C.17
- D.14
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Article 17 abolishes untouchability, forbids its practice in any form, and makes the enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability an offence punishable in accordance with law.
Read the full explanation →Article 19 of the Indian Constitution provides for how many types of freedoms?
- A.13
- B.44
- C.30
- D.6
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Article 19(1) gives every citizen six freedoms: speech and expression; to assemble peaceably and without arms; to form associations, unions or co-operative societies; to move freely throughout India; to reside and settle in any part of India; and to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business.
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