🔰 Fundamental Rights – Short Note 🔰

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🔷 Introduction

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12–35). They guarantee civil liberties to citizens and act as limitations on the arbitrary power of the State, ensuring justice, equality and liberty in a democratic framework.

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🔷 Features of Fundamental Rights

Justiciable – Enforceable by courts (Art. 32, 226).

Not Absolute – Subject to reasonable restrictions.

Available Against State (Art. 12), though some apply against private individuals too.

Suspension – Can be suspended during Emergency (except Art. 20 & 21).

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🔷 Categories of Fundamental Rights

Right to Equality (Art. 14–18): Equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, abolition of untouchability (State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar, 1952).

Right to Freedom (Art. 19–22): Freedom of speech, movement, profession, etc. (Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, 1978 expanded Art. 21).

Right against Exploitation (Art. 23–24): Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.

Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25–28): Freedom of conscience, practice and propagation of religion (Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, 1986).

Cultural & Educational Rights (Art. 29–30): Protects minorities’ rights to conserve culture and run institutions (T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, 2002).

Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32): Allows citizens to move Supreme Court directly. Called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar (Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, 1973 upheld this as part of Basic Structure).

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🔷 Conclusion

Fundamental Rights are the cornerstone of Indian democracy. They safeguard individual dignity and freedom while balancing the needs of social order and national security.

🔰 Doctrine of Eclipse 🔰

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🔶 Introduction

The Doctrine of Eclipse is a constitutional law principle in India which states that a pre-constitutional law inconsistent with the Fundamental Rights is not void ab initio, but only becomes inoperative (“eclipsed”) to the extent of inconsistency. Such a law remains dormant but is not dead and it can be revived if the inconsistency is removed (for example, by a constitutional amendment).

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🔶 Basis

Derived from Article 13(1) of the Constitution, which declares that all pre-constitutional laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights shall be void “to the extent of such inconsistency.”

Applies only to pre-constitutional laws (laws made before 26th January 1950).

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🔶 Key Case Laws

🔲 Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. State of M.P. (1955):

The Supreme Court applied the doctrine, holding that pre-constitutional laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights are not null and void but merely remain in a dormant state until the inconsistency is removed.

🔲 Deep Chand v. State of U.P. (1959):

Clarified that post-constitutional laws violating Fundamental Rights are void ab initio, hence doctrine of eclipse does not apply to them.

🔲 State of Gujarat v. Ambica Mills (1974):

Held that the doctrine can apply even against non-citizens in some circumstances.

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🔶 Features of the Doctrine

Applies to pre-constitutional laws only.

Such laws are not dead but dormant.

Revival possible if the inconsistency is removed.

Post-constitutional laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights are void from inception and cannot be revived.

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🔶 Conclusion

The Doctrine of Eclipse balances legal continuity with constitutional supremacy. It prevents wholesale invalidation of pre-constitutional laws while ensuring that Fundamental Rights prevail.

📌 Exam tip: Always mention Bhikaji Narain case (1955) as the leading authority when writing on this doctrine.

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