It will have a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding a constitution against amendments that may undermine the basic rights. Some of the key strategies include: Constitutional Safeguards Rigid Constitution: The rigidity of a constitution can be enhanced by making amendments in the constitution by spRead more
It will have a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding a constitution against amendments that may undermine the basic rights. Some of the key strategies include:
Constitutional Safeguards
Rigid Constitution: The rigidity of a constitution can be enhanced by making amendments in the constitution by special majority or through a referendum. This makes it difficult to change fundamental rights.
Judicial Review: A strong and independent judiciary can review the constitutionality of laws and amendments, thus not violating the fundamental rights.
-Fundamental Rights: The constitution can be difficult to amend in a way that erodes fundamental rights if they are clearly defined and protected.
Public Awareness and Participation:
-Civic Education: Educating the public about the importance of fundamental rights and the role of the constitution in protecting them.
-Active Citizenry: Encouraging citizens to participate in public discourse and hold governments accountable for upholding constitutional values.
-Civil Society Organizations: Supporting civil society organizations that monitor government actions and advocate for human rights.
Institutional Mechanisms:
Independent Commissions: Setting up independent commissions to oversee the implementation of fundamental rights and investigate violations.
Parliamentary Committees: Strengthening parliamentary committees to scrutinize legislation and government policies that may affect fundamental rights.
Media Freedom: Protecting media freedom to ensure independent reporting and public scrutiny.
Combining these strategies can, therefore, be effective in protecting a constitution as well as taking care of fundamental rights from degradation to build a just and fair society.
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This judgment of basic structure doctrine in the case of Kesavananda Bharathi Sripadagalvaru & Ors v State of Kerala & Anr (1973) was a landmark judgement to determine the change of subsequent constitutional amendments in the country of India. It holds that while the Parliament can alter theRead more
This judgment of basic structure doctrine in the case of Kesavananda Bharathi Sripadagalvaru & Ors v State of Kerala & Anr (1973) was a landmark judgement to determine the change of subsequent constitutional amendments in the country of India. It holds that while the Parliament can alter the Constitution, the fundamental framework or Character of Constitution, meaning the principles of democracy, secularism, federal structure, and the rule of law cannot be removed by the Parliament.
This doctrine restricts the Parliament which is advantageous to preserve the pure form of the constitution. It also helps the judiciary to scrutinize the amendments and set them aside if they are against the spirit of the Constitution, as in the case of Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) connected with the 42nd Amendment.
Consequently, as per the basic structure, the doctrine shields the rights from gradual erosion by amendments while maintaining the Constitution’s stability. It also maintains a proper balance with the legislative branch to ensure that one does not encroach on the powers of the other and dilute key constitutional provisions. Altogether, the basic structure doctrine has come out as a very effective tool in the quest to safeguard the framework of the constitution in India.
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