POLITY · FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Prelims + Mains
The Golden Triangle:
Articles 14, 19 & 21.
Three articles. One scaffolding for every Fundamental Rights answer in your Mains paper.
14
Article 14 · Right to Equality
Equality before law & equal protection of laws.
Two ideas: "Equality before law" (British, negative — no one is above the law) + "Equal protection of laws" (American, positive — likes treated alike).
Test: reasonable classification — must have an intelligible differentia and rational nexus to the law's object.
19
Article 19 · Six Freedoms
Six freedoms — available only to citizens.
19(1)(a) · Speech & expression
19(1)(b) · Peaceful assembly
19(1)(c) · Form associations
19(1)(d) · Move freely in India
19(1)(e) · Reside & settle
19(1)(g) · Profession or trade
Note: 19(1)(f) — right to property — was deleted by the 44th Amendment, 1978; now a legal right under Article 300A.
21
Article 21 · Right to Life & Personal Liberty
"No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law."
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) →
"procedure" must be just, fair, and reasonable. This single judgment expanded Article 21 into a right to dignity, privacy, livelihood, education, clean environment, and shelter — through later cases.
Constitution of India · Part III, Articles 12–35
ANANTAM IAS