Kls Constitutional Law i Course Outline

SCHOOL OF LAW

KIIT UNIVERSITY,

BHUBANESWAR

SEMESTER IV: B.A. LL.B; B.B.A.LL.B &

B.Sc.LL.B

2010-2015

SYLLABUS/COURSE OUTLINE

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW -I (COL 301)

COURSE DESIGNED BY:

1 | P a g e

PROF. FAIZAN MUSTAFA([email protected])

KUMAR KARTIKEYA([email protected])

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW-I

A Constitution is the substrata upon which the edifice of a legal system

is developed. It is the ‘fundamental law of superior obligation’. It

enunciates the legal indices for the measure of all subsequent

legislation.

The Indian Constitution – for purposes of smooth functioning of the

organs of government – divides power; demarcating in principle the

purview and scope of the authority assigned to the various agencies of

the state. In particular, it apportions authority along three main

divisions: between the centre and state governments; amongst the

branches of the central government; and between all levels of

government and individuals. The vast majority of live constitutional

questions concern a conflict along one or more of these lines.

Collectively, they comprise our course of study.

OBJECT OF THE COURSE

This course aims at introducing the student to several methods of

construing the meaning of constitutional provisions. The course is

designed primarily to assist the student in developing knowledge of

constitutional doctrine and to acquaint him/her with the basic legal

principles under-girding the Indian Constitutional Law. It is an attempt

at finding answers to some of the most basic questions, such as what

is a Constitution. Why we need a Constitution? How is it made? What

should it contain? What are the various types of Constitutions? How is

2 | P a g e

mailto:[email protected]

it amended? Can Parliament rewrite the Constitution? Why judicial

review is needed? What is the difference between judicial review and

judicial activism? What is the current debate about judicial activism v.

judicial restraint? Does Parliament have the power not to codify its

privileges? The course further encompasses the nature and powers of

the Parliament, the President, the Courts and the interplay of these

authorities with each other, and the State government.

This course shall employ both traditional and multimedia instruction to

promote the understanding of constitutional frameworks, institutions,

procedures and policies. The object is not to produce Constitutional

scholars per se, but to enable student proficiencies in the scholarly

study of law and its application.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In order to develop the ability to “think like a lawyer”, it is essential to

understand clearly the constitutional theory and doctrine underlying

the Indian legal system. The following are some of the abilities one will

need to inculcate:

To recognize and articulate subtle distinctions relevant to an

“argument”

To understand and articulate the internal logic of an “argument,”

and whether it is consistent or inconsistent with similar

“arguments” previously made.

To recognize and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of an

“argument” independent of one’s level of agreement with it.

To systematically analyze, synthesize, and apply policies derived

from critical-analytic reasoning over selected portions of the

Indian Constitution.

3 | P a g e

To articulate opinions on significant, vital, controversial and

current constitutional issues.

To examine the historical evolution of constitutional doctrines,

standards, and tests.

To understand contemporary judicial thinking in the era of

judicial activism.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

In addition to case laws and notes in the text, materials from the web shall be employed to provide one with source documents and classical commentaries concerning the development and early articulation of the principles underlying our constitutional development as a stable democracy. One is expected to become familiar with these principles, to be able to extract those principles from the cases studied, and be able to apply those principles in a reasoned and disciplined manner to factual situations.

Expectation from the students

1. Before Class:

Read, study and think/write about the assigned materials thoroughly: Know the cases and materials well enough so that you can give a

summary if called upon to do so; Decide what issue or issues the case raises and what rules of

law/principles/definitions apply to the issue; Familiarize yourself with and reflect upon the

arguments/propositions/justifications put forth in the cases and other readings.

The application of the rules of law to the particular facts.

2. In Class:

Discuss the issues in the materials and how the Court analyzes these issues;

Discuss justifications and opinions given for constitutional propositions and the resolution of constitutional cases;

Evaluate stated and unstated factual and value assumptions in the court’s reasoning, including ongoing themes in constitutional values and interpretation;

Identify flaws and strengths in the court’s reasoning; Explore alternative arguments that might better resolve the

controversies in a particular area;

4 | P a g e

Explore related policy issues relevant to the cases;

3. After Class:

Work on problems assigned to your small group with your group. Identify and clarify anything confusing about substantive law or

application, and do the necessary work to clarify your understanding of the law and constitutional argument;

Consider your own views about these issues, and how you would be prepared to make an argument to resolve such issues;

Think about how the day’s assignment relates to past and upcoming areas of Constitutional Law;

Summarize and outline course materials and class discussion.[N.B: Cases and other reading materials would be available online.]

NOTE: EVERY STUDENT SHALL BRING HIS/HER OWN COPY

OF THE BARE TEXT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA TO

THE CLASS, EVERYDAY.

ASSESSMENT

The performance of the students in this course is assessed on

the basis of 100 marks. This overall assessment of 100 marks is

distributed in following manner:

Assessment Mode Marks

Internal Assessment (including, Mid-

Semester Examination)

40 Marks

End- Semester Examination 60 Marks

Total 100 Marks

N.B: Any queries may be addressed to: [email protected]

5 | P a g e

mailto:[email protected]

TEACHING PLAN (PRE-MIDSEMESTER EXAMINATION)

Serial No.

Time Period(12/07/2011-30/08/2011)

Topics/Modules

1 Week 1 Unit I:Key ConstitutionalConcepts: Constitutionalism,Constitution and Constitutional Law; Meaning and status of the Constitution; ConstitutionalDevelopment in India; The Making of the Indian Constitution.

2 Week 2 Unit II: Indian Federalism:Federalism: Some Fundamental Considerations; Nature of Indian Constitution: An Overview;Constitutional Scheme ofdistribution of powers between the Union and the States

3 Week 3-6 Unit II: Constitutional Scheme of distribution of powers between Union

6 | P a g e

and the States: Legislative Relations; Division of powers-territorial, as well as on subject matter, Residuary Powers, Repugnancy; Administrative Relations: Obligation of the States and the Union; Control of Union over States in certain cases; Inter-governmental delegation of functions; Constitutional mechanism to settle Inter-State Water disputes

MID-SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS-SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 TO SEPTEMBER 8, 2011.

______________________________________________________________

TEACHING PLAN [Contd.](POST-MID-SEMESTER EXAMINATION)

Serial No.

Time Period(09/09/2011-19/11/2011)

Topic/Module

4 Week 6-9 Unit II (continued): Financial Relations; Emergency Provisions; Trade and Commerce

5 Week 9-11 Unit III: The Union Executive; Position of the President , the Prime Minister and the Governor; Ordinance making powers and Pardoning Powers

7 | P a g e

6 Week 12 Unit IV: The Legislature:

Constitution and composition, qualification and disqualification for membership of Parliament/State Legislatures; Parliamentary Privileges

7 Week 13-14 Unit V: The Judiciary: Supreme Court and the State High Courts: Establishment, appointment and removal of Judges, jurisdiction, Supreme Court and High Courts as Court of record

8 Week 14-15 Unit VI: Amendment of the Constitution

8 | P a g e

UNIT-I: KEY CONSTITUTIONAL CONCEPTS

A. Constitutionalism, Constitution and Constitutional Law

The Concepts of Constitutionalism and limited government. Contribution of Natural Law to the concept of Constitutionalism. Contribution of English Common Law to the concept of

Constitutionalism. Contribution of American Constitutional System to the concept

of Constitutionalism. Need and Uses of Constitution. Constitutionalism in India.

Readings :

Karl Lowenstein: Political Power and the Governmental Process. The University of Chicago Press; 1965; (Chapter V).

Herman Finer. The Theory and Practice of Modern Government. Delhi, Surjeet Publications. (Chapters. 1, 5 & 6).

J. Rolland Pennock & John.W.Chapman. Constitutionalism. New York University Press; 1979; (Chapters. 1, 2 & 3).

Charles Howard Mcilwain. Constitutionalism: Ancient & Modern. Cornell University Press. 1947 (Reprint 1987).

Bruce Ackerman: The Rise of World Constitutionalism. Yale Law School-Occasional Papers, 1996.

Upendra Baxi: Constitutionalism as Site for State Formative Practices. 21 Cardozo Law Review. 1183.

B. Meaning and status of the Constitution

Meaning of the “Constitution” Sources of the Constitution Kinds of Constitution General Principles of Constitutional Interpretation

Readings : Herman Finer. The Theory and Practice of Modern Government. Delhi,

Surjeet Publications. (Chapters. 8 & 9).

9 | P a g e

A.V. Dicey: An Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (9th edition). [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd].

Craig. R. Ducat: Constitutional Interpretation (8th Edition). Thomson West.

Gary J. Jacobsohn (et al). American Constitutional Law. New York, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (Chapter. 2).

H. M. Seervai: Constitutional Law of India: A Critical Commentary. Vol. I; Chapter.2. [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd].

P.K. Tripathi: Spotlights on Constitutional Interpretation. Bombay, N.M. Tripathi Pvt. Ltd. 1972

Cases : Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (AIR 1973 SC 1461).

C. Constitutional Development in India

Constitutional Development during East India Company’s Rule: The First Phase-(1600-1757). The Second Phase-(1757-1858).

End of Company’s rule and assumption of power by the Crown; Government of India Act, 1858; Queen Victoria’s Proclamation;

Indian Councils Act, 1861; Indian Councils Act, 1892; Indian Councils Act, 1909.

Government of India Act, 1919. The Government of India Act 1935. Cripps Mission Plan, 1942; Wavell Plan 1945; Shimla Conference,

1945. The Cabinet Mission Plan 1946; Formation of the Constituent

Assembly; Mountbatten Plan; The Indian Independence Act, 1947.

The Constituent Assembly and the Framing of the Indian Constitution.

Salient Features of Indian Constitution.

Readings: A.B. Keith. A Constitutional History of India. [Allahabad, Central

Book Depot]. M.V. Pylee. Constitutional History of India (1600-1950). [New

Delhi, S.Chand & Co.]. Dr. Kailash Rai. History of Courts, Legislature and Legal

Profession in India. [Faridabad (Haryana), Allahabad Law Agency].

M.P. Jain. Outlines of Indian Legal History. [Nagpur, LexisNexis Buttersworth Wadhwa].

V.D.Kulshreshtha. Landmarks in Indian Legal And Constitutional History. [Lucknow, Eastern Book Company].

10 | P a g e

B. Shiva Rao: The Framing of India’s Constitution (in 5 vols). [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd].

B.N. Rau: India’s Constitution in the Making. Allied Publishers, New Delhi. 1960.

Glanville Austin: The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation. [New Delhi, Oxford University Press].

P.E. Roberts. History of British India. [New Delhi, Oxford University Press].

Vincent Smith. The Oxford History of India. [New Delhi, Oxford University Press].

UNIT-II: INDIAN FEDERALISM

A. Federalism: Some Fundamental Considerations

Confederation and Federation: Fundamental Distinctions. Basic Characteristics of a Federal Constitution. Cooperative/ Administrative Federalism.

B. Nature of the Indian Constitution: An Overview.

Readings: Sarkaria Commission Report on Centre-State Relations 1988 Report of National Commission to Review Working of the

Constitution, 2000.

Cases: State of West Bengal v. Union of India. (AIR 1963 SC 2141). Golak Nath v. State of Punjab. (AIR 1967 SC 1643). Kesavananda Bharti v. State of Kerala. (AIR 1973 .SC 1461) State of Rajasthan v. Union of India, (AIR 1977 SC 1361) State of Karnataka v. Union of India, (AIR 1978 SC 68) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, [(1994)3 SCC 1] Union of India v. Madhab [(1997) 2 SCC 332] S.S. Bola v. B.D. Sardana [(1997) 8 SCC 522] Kuldip Nayyar v. Union of India (AIR 2006 SC 3127) State of West Bengal v. The Committee for Protection of Democratic

Rights, West Bengal (2010 SC (Civil Appeals No.6249-6250 of 2001); (2010) 10 SCC 571].

C. Constitutional Scheme of Distribution of Powers between the Union and the States

a) Legislative Relations

i) Territorial Division of Legislative Powers(Article 245)

11 | P a g e

Cases: A.H.Wadia v. Income Tax Commissioner (AIR 1949 FC 18). State of Bombay v. R.M.D.C. (AIR 1958 SC 699) Tata Iron & Steel CO. Ltd. v. State of Bihar, (AIR 1958 SC 452) State of Bihar v. Charushila Das, (AIR 1959 SC 1002). K.K.Kochunni v. State of Madras (AIR 1959 SC 725) Khyerbari Tea Company v. State of Assam (AIR 1964 SC 925). Khazan Singh v. State of U.P. (AIR 1974 SC 669). State of A.P v. N.T.P.C. [(2002) 5 SCC 203].

ii) Subject-wise Division of Legislative Powers

Principle of Interpretation of Legislative Entries Significance of the Expression “Subject to”, in Article 245 Significance of the Expression “With respect to” in Article 246. Judicial Principles for the resolution of legislative conflicts.

Doctrine of “Pith and Substance” Cases:

Prafulla Kumar v. Bank of Commerce (AIR 1947 PC 60) State of Bombay v. F.N. Balsara (AIR 1951 SC 318) State of Madras v. Gannon Dunkerley (AIR 1958 SC 560) State of Rajasthan v. G. Chawla (AIR 1959 SC 544) Vijay Kumar v. State of Karnataka (AIR 1990 SC 2072) Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab [(1994) 3 SCC 569]. PUCL v. Union of India (AIR 2003 SC 456). State of West Bengal v. Kesoram Industries (AIR 2005 SC 1646). State of Kerala v. PUCL (Kerala State of Unit) [(2009) 8 SCC 46].

Doctrine of Harmonious ConstructionCases:

In Re C.P. Berar Sales of Motor Spirits and Lubricants Taxation Act, 1939 AIR 1939 FC 1

Governor General in Council v. State of Madras (AIR 1945 PC 98).

Gujarat University v. Sri Krishna (AIR 1963 S.C. 703) D.A.V. College v. State of Punjab (AIR 1971 SC 1731) O.N.Mahendroo v. Bar Council (AIR 1968 SC 888). Harakchand Ratanchand Banthia v.Union of India (AIR 1970 SC

1453). State of Karnataka v. Raghunath Reddy (AIR 1978 SC 218). Ajay Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar [(1994) 4 SCC 401]. Assn of Natural Gas & Ors v. Union of India [(2004) 4 SCC 489]. Prof Yashpal v. State of Chattisgarh (AIR 2005 SC 2026).

Doctrine of Colorable Legislation

12 | P a g e

Cases: State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh (AIR 1952 SC 952). K.C. Gajpati Narayan Deo v. State of Orissa, (AIR 1953 SC 375) K.T.Moopli Nair v. State of Kerala (AIR 1961 SC 552) Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (AIR 1975 SC 2299). R.S. Joshi v. Ajit Mills Ahmedabad ( AIR 1977 SC 2279) Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights v. Union of India (AIR 1998

SC 431).

Doctrine of Incidental and Ancillary PowersCases:

United Provinces v. Atiqua Begum (AIR 1941 FC 16). Navinchandra Mafatlal v. Commissioner of Income Tax (AIR 1955 SC

58). M.P.V Sundramier & Co. v. State of A.P. (AIR 1958 SC 468). Krishna Chandra v. Union of India (AIR 1975 SC 1389). Goodyear India Ltd v. State of Haryana (AIR 1990 SC 781). Welfare Assn. ARP v. Ranjit. P .Gohil (AIR 2003 SC 1266). Godfrey Phillips v. State of U.P. (AIR 2005 SC 1103).

Significance of the non- obstante and subjection clauses in Article 246.

Readings: H.M. Seervai: Constitutional Law of India: A Critical Commentary Vol.3.

[Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd]. D.D.Basu: Commentary on the Constitution of India. Nagpur,

LexisNexis Buttersworth Wadhwa. Vol.6.

iii)Residuary Powers of Legislation (Article 248 and Entry 97 of List I)

Cases: State of Orissa v. M.A.Tulloch (AIR 1964 SC 1284). Harikrishna Bhargava v. Union of India (AIR 1966 SC 619) I.C. Golaknath v. Union of India (AIR 1967 SC 1643) Second Gift Tax Officer v. Nazareth (AIR 1970 SC 999) Union of India v. H.S.Dhillon (AIR 1972 SC 1061). Attorney General v. Amratalal Prajivandas [(1994) 5 SCC 54]. All India Federation of Tax Practitoners v. Union of India [(2007) 7

SCC 527].

iv) Legislative Conflicts and Repugnancy(Article 254)

Cases: Zaver Bhai v. State of Bombay (AIR 1954 SC 752) Tika Ramji v. State of U.P. (AIR 1956 SC 676) Deepchand v. State of U.P. (AIR 1959 SC 648)

13 | P a g e

M.Karunanidhi v. Union of India (AIR 1979 SC 898) Hoechest Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. State of Bihar (AIR 1983 SC 1019) Vijay Kumar v. State of Karnataka (AIR 1990 SC 2072). Kanaka Gruha Nirmana Sahakar Sangh v. Narayanamma (AIR 2002

SC 3659). Grand Kakatiya Sheraton v. Srinivasa Resorts Ltd. [(2009) 5 SCC

342].

v) Legislation by the Parliament on matters enumerated in the State List. (Articles 249, 250, 252 , 253).

b) Administrative Relations

i. Obligation of the States and the Union (Article 256)ii. Control of Union Over States in Certain Cases

(Article 257)iii. Inter-governmental Delegation of Functions

(Articles, 258, 258A).

Cases: Jayantilal Amritlal v. F.N.Rana AIR 1964 SC 648 Samsher Singh v. State of Punjab AIR 1974 SC 2192 M.P. Special Police Establishment v. State of M.P. [(2004) 8 SCC 735]

iv. Inter-State Water Disputes: Role of The Union (Article 262)

v. Inter-Governmental Cooperation in solving administrative problems/issues:

The Inter-State Council (Article 263) The Planning Commission The National Development Council

vi. Emergency Provisions: Types of Emergency Proclamation of emergency: the pre-requisites Duration of emergency; Consequences of emergency: Effect on Fundamental

Rights; The 38th, 39th, 42nd and 44th Amendments to the

Constitution. Judicial Review.

14 | P a g e

Effect of failure of constitutional machinery in the state(s) (Article 356).

Judicial Review; Financial Emergency.

Cases: Makhan Singh v. State of Punjab AIR 1964 SC 381 Mohan Chowdhary v. Chief Commissioner AIR 1964 SC 173 State of Maharashtra v. Prabhakar Pandurang AIR 1966 SC 424 Ram Manohar Lohia v. State of Bihar AIR 1966 SC 740 Mohd Yaqub v. State of J & K AIR 1968 SC 765 Bennett and Coleman & Co. v. Union of India AIR 1973 SC 106 A.D.M Jabalpur v. Shiv Kant Shukla, AIR 1976 SC 1207 State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977) 3 SCC 592. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, (1994)3 SCC 1 Sarbanand Sonowal v. Union of India [(2005) 5 SCC 665] Rameshwar Prasad & Ors v. Union of India (2006) 2 SCC 1.

c) Financial Relations:

Classification of Taxes Transfer of Resources from Union to the States Scheme of distribution of taxes/revenues Resources Transferring Agencies Finance Commission

d) Trade and Commerce:

The meaning of the expression “Trade Commerce and Intercourse”. The Issue of freedom of trade and commerce and its Constitutional

significance. Judicial Interpretation of the Constitutional scheme of Freedom of

Trade Commerce and its impact on the federal structure.

Readings:

H.M. Seervai: Constitutional Law of India: A Critical Commentary Vol.3. [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd].

D.D.Basu: Constitution of India. Nagpur, LexisNexis Buttersworth Wadhwa. Vols.6 & 7

Cases: Atiabari Tea Co. v. State of Assam (AIR 1961 SC 232) Automobile Transport Ltd. v. State of Rajasthan (AIR 1962 SC 1406) Khyerbari Tea Co. v. State of Assam (AIR 1964 SC 925) State of Madras v. Natraja Mudaliar (AIR 1969 SC 147).

15 | P a g e

Fateh Chand v. State of Maharashtra ( AIR 1977 SC 1825) G.K. Krishnan v. State of T.N (AIR 1975 SC 583) Jayaram v. Union of India (AIR 1983 SC 1005) B.R.Enterprises v. State of U.P.(AIR 1999 SC 1867). Jindal Stainless Ltd v. State of Haryana [(2006)7 SCC 241]. India Cement v. State of A.P. ( AIR 1988 SC 567) Andhra Sugars Ltd. v. A.P. ( AIR 1968 SC 599) Express Hotels Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Gujarat ( AIR 1989 SC 1949) Sharma Transport v. Govt. of A.P. ( AIR 2002 SC 322)

UNIT-III: THE EXECUTIVE

A. Choices before the Constituent Assembly as to the form of Government

Merits and Demerits of Presidential System Merits and Demerits of Parliamentary Form of

Government Working of Parliamentary Democracy since

Independence Nature and Extent of Executive Power

B. Election of the President and Appointment of the Governor and their powers

Election of the President – Electoral College Appointment of the Governor – Agent of the Union or

the Head of the State C. Position of the President and Governor

Nominal Executive Head Real Executive Head

D. Position of the Prime Minister vis-à-vis Council of Ministers

Readings: H.M. Seervai: Constitutional Law of India: A Critical Commentary

Vol.3. [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd]. D.D.Basu: Constitution of India. Nagpur, LexisNexis Buttersworth

Wadhwa. Vol.3. P.B.Mukherji: Some Critical Problems of the Indian Constitution

(Chimanlal Setalvad Lectures, University of Bombay). K.M. Munshi: The President under the Indian Constitution.(Bombay.

Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan).

16 | P a g e

Cases: Ramjawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab AIR 1955 SC 549 Jayanti Lal Amrit Lal v. F.N.Rana AIR 1964 SC 648 Sardari Lal v. Union of India AIR 1971 SC 1547 Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1974 SC 2192 U.N. Rao v. Indira Gandhi, AIR 1971 SC 1002 Sher Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1983 SC 361 S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, (1994)3 SCC 1 M.P.Special Police Establishment v. State of M.P (2004) 8 SCC

735 B.P. Singhal v. Union of India [2010 SC (W.P.(Civil)

No.296/2004)].

E. Ordinance Making Powers of the President and the Governor [Articles 13(3), 123, 213, 367(2)]

Cases: Lakhi Narayan Das v. Province of Bihar AIR 1950 FC 59 State of Punjab v. Satpal Dang AIR 1969 SC 903 R.K.Garg v. Union of India v. Union of India AIR 1981 SC 2138 A.K.Roy v. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 710 T. Venkata Reddy v. State of A.P. AIR 1985 SC 724 D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar AIR 1987 SC 579 L.N.Mishra Institute of Economic Development and Social Change v.

State of Bihar AIR 1988 SC 1236.

F. Pardoning Power of the President and the Governor [Articles 72,161]

Cases: Balmukund v. King Emperor AIR 1915 PC 29 In Re Channugadu AIR 1954 Mad. 911 K.M.Nanavati v. State of Bombay AIR 1961 SC 112 Sarat Cahandra Rabha v. Khagendranath AIR 1961 SC 334 Maru Ram v. Union of India AIR 1980 SC 2147 Kuljeet Singh v. Lt. Governor of Delhi AIR 1982 SC 794 Kehar Singh v. Lt. Governor of Delhi AIR 1989 SC 653 State of Punjab v. Joginder Singh AIR 1990 SC 1396 Swaran Singh v.State of U.P. (1998) 4 SCC 75 Satpal v. State of Haryana (2000) 5 SCC 170 Epuru Sudhakar v. Government of A.P. AIR 2006 SC 3385 State of Haryana v. Jagdish & Harpal [2010 SC (Crl. App.No 566 OF

2010)].

UNIT-IV: THE LEGISLATURE

17 | P a g e

A. Constitution, Composition, Powers and Functions of the Parliament and State Legislatures

Duration of the Houses Qualifications for membership Sessions of Parliament, prorogation and dissolution. Right of the President to address and send messages to the

Parliament Control over Executive Impeachment of Judges, Punishing for the Breach of Privileges Procedure for passing of Bills Assent to Bills, by the President/Governors. Powers, Privileges and Immunities of the Parliament and its

members.

Cases: Election Commission v. Subramanyam Swamy [(1996) 4 SCC

104 Shibu Soren v. Dayanand Sahay [(2001) 7 SCC 425]

B. Parliamentary Privileges

Origin of Parliamentary Privileges in Britain Incorporation of Privileges of House of Commons in India Position after the 44th Amendment to the Constitution Privileges available to Members of Parliament and State

Legislatures in India:

i) Freedom of Speech in the Parliament. Cases:

M.S.M. Sharma v. Srikrishna Sinha AIR 1959 SC 395 K. Anandan Nambiar v. Chief Secretary, Government of Madras AIR

1966 SC 657 Tej Kiran Jain v. N. Sanjeeva Reddy AIR 1970 SC 1873

ii) Right to Publication of Proceedings.Cases:

Stockdale v. Hansard (1839) 19 A & E 1 In re Keshav Singh AIR 1965 SC 745

iii) Freedom from Arrest.

18 | P a g e

Cases: K. Anandan Nambiar v. Chief Secretary, Government of Madras AIR

1966 SC 657iv) Right to exclude strangers

v) Right to prohibit publication of debates/proceedings

Cases: M.S.M. Sharma v. Srikrishna Sinha AIR 1959 SC 395

vi) Right to regulate its own constitution

vii) Right to regulate its internal proceedings

viii) Right to punish members and outsiders for contempt

Cases: In re Keshav Singh AIR 1965 SC 745 Raja Ram Pal v. The Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007) 3 SCC 184

ix) Immunity of members for anything said or any vote given in the House

Cases:

P.V. Narsimha Rao v. State (1998) 4 SCC 626 (The J.M.M. Bribery Case)

x) Parliamentary Privileges and Fundamental Rights.

xi) Parliamentary Privileges and the Judiciary:

The struggle for supremacy: Bihar and the U.P. Assembly Episodes; The J.M.M. Bribery Case; The Cash for Query Scam. The MPLADS Scheme.

Cases: Brad Laugh v. Gosset (1884) 12 Q.B. 271 Attorney General for Ontario v. Attorney General for Canada (1912)

AC 571 Gunapati Keshavaram Reddy v. Nafisul Hasan(1954) ASC 636 M.S.M. Sharma v. Srikrishna Sinha AIR 1959 SC 395 In re Keshav Singh AIR 1965 SC 745 P.V. Narsimha Rao v. State (1998) 4 SCC 626 (The J.M.M. Bribery

Case) Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006)2 SCC 1

19 | P a g e

Raja Ram Pal v. The Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007) 3 SCC 184 Sri Rajendra Singh Rana and Ors v. Swami Prasad Maurya and Ors.

(AIR 2007 SC 1305). Bhim Singh v. Union of India [2010 SC (Writ petition No. 404 of

1999)].

C. The Law relating to Defections (Schedule X)

Parliamentary Privileges and Anti-Defection Law Freedom inside the House and Fundamental Rights of members. Anti-Defection Law and the Right of a Member to dissent. Powers and privileges of the Speaker under the Anti-Defection Law

& Judicial Review. Cases:

Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillu AIR 1993 SC 412 Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006) 2 SCC 1 Raja Ram Pal v. The Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007) 3 SCC 184 Sri Rajendra Singh Rana and Ors v. Swami Prasad Maurya and Ors. AIR

2007 SC 1305


Vol.3. [Delhi, Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd]. D.D.Basu: Constitution of India. LexisNexis Butterworths Wadhwa.

Vol.3.

UNIT-V: THE JUDICIARY

A. Supreme Court of India

Establishment and Constitution of Supreme Court Appointment and removal of Judges Independence of Judiciary Supreme Court: A Court of Record

B. The State High Courts

Appointment and Transfer of Judges High Court: A Court of Record Supervisory Jurisdiction



Vol.3.

20 | P a g e

Cases: Union of India v. Sankalchand AIR 1977 SC 2328 S.P. Gupta v. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 149 (The First Judges

Case). Subhash Sharma v. Union of India AIR 1991 SC 631 Sub-Committee on Judicial Accountability v. Union of India

(1991)4SCC 409 K.Veeraswami v.Union of India (1991) 3 SCC 655 Sarojini Ramaswami v. Union of India AIR 1992 SC 2219 Krishna Swami v. Union of India (1992) 4 SCC 605 All India Judges’ Assn v. Union of India AIR 1992 SC 165 S.C. Advocates on Records Association v. Union of India AIR 1994

SC 268 (The Second Judges Case). In Re, Presidential Reference AIR 1999 SC1(The Third Judges Case). Roopa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra ( 2003 SC) Shaukat Hussain Guru v. NCT of Delhi (AIR 2008 SC 2419) C.K.Daphtary v. O.P.Gupta [(1971) 1 SCC 626] Delhi Judicial Services Association v. State of Gujarat [(1991) 4 SCC

406] Pallav Sheth v. Custodian [(2001) 7 SCC 549]

i) The Nature of Judicial Power:

Cases: Marbury v. Madison 1 Cranch 137(1803). Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Union of India (AIR 1975 SC 2299). Divisional Manger Aravali Golf Club v. Chander Haas [2007(14)SCALE1]

ii) Judicial Review of Legislation: Constitutional basis and scope.

Cases: A.K.Gopalan v. State of Madras AIR 1950 SC 27 Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India AIR 1978 SC 597 Mardia Chemicals Ltd v. Union of India [2004] 136 TAXMAN 360 (SC).

iii) Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

i) Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

N.B.Khare v. Election Commission AIR 1957 SC 694 State of West Bengal v. Union of India AIR 1963 SC 1241 State of Rajasthan v. Union of India AIR 1977 SC 1361 State of Karnataka v. Union of India AIR 1978 SC 68 Charan Lal Sahu v. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy AIR 1978 SC 499

21 | P a g e

ii) Appellate Jurisdiction

a. Constitutional Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 132)b. Civil Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 133)c. Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 134)d. Special Leave Jurisdiction (Article 136)

iii) Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143) Cases:

Delhi Laws, Act, In re AIR 1951 SC 332 Privileges and Immunities of Legislatures, In re AIR 1965 SC 745

(Keshav Singh’s Case) Presidential Reference in the Matter of Judges’ Appointments AIR

1999 SC 1 (The Third Judges Case). Special Reference No.1 of 2002 (Gujarat Assembly Election

Matter) AIR 2003 SC 87.

iv) Writ Jurisdiction (Articles 32/226) Cases:

Ramesh Thappar v. State of Madras AIR 1950 SC 124 State of Madras v. V.G.Row AIR 1952 SC 196 Daryao v. State of U.P. AIR 1961 SC 1457 Ujjam Bai v. State of U.P. AIR 1962 SC 1621 Premchand Garg v. Excise Commissioner AIR 1963 SC 996 B.M.M v. Union of India AIR 1984 SC 802 S.P. Gupta v. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 149 Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991) 1 SCC 598. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India (1996)

3 SCC 212. T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (2006) 1 SCC 1. State of Uttaranchal v. Balwant Singh Chaufal (2010) 3 SCC

402.

UNIT-VI: AMENDABILITY OF THE CONSTITUTION

A. Need for amending the Constitution Amendment Review of the Constitution

B. Nature of the amending power Plenary Legislative/Residuary Constituent

22 | P a g e

C. Procedure For amendment Ordinary Special

D. Legislative and Judicial approaches to the Power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution.

Limitations upon Constitutional Amendments- Supremacy of Parliament

Denial of power to amend Fundamental Rights



Vol.3. Granville Austin: Working A Democratic Constitution: The Indian

Experience. Oxford University Press (2002) (pp. 123,278,492 and 516)

Cases: Shankari Prasad v. Union of India, AIR 1951 SC 455 Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan, AIR 1965 SC 845 Golak Nath v. State of Punjab, AIR 1973 SC 1461

E. Doctrine of Basic Structure Origin and Development – From Nullifying Constitutional

Amendment to invalidating an ordinary Legislation Present Status; scope and applicability

Cases: Kesavananada Bharati v. State of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461 Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 2299 Minerva Mills v. Union of India, AIR 1980 SC 1789 Waman Rao v. Union of India, AIR 1981 SC 271 S.P. Sampat Kumar v. Union of India, AIR 1987 SC 386 S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, (1994) 3 SCC 1. L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 1125 I.R. Coelho v. State of T.N.(2007) 2 SCC 1

GOOD LUCK

23 | P a g e

Kls Constitutional Law i Course Outline

Documents

Transcript of Kls Constitutional Law i Course Outline