Tejas A Jha

This course gives a Chapter Wise summary of the book covering the Indian Constitution and the syllabus for Indian Polity.

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M. Laxmikanth - Indian Polity (Chapter-Wise Summary)

Indian Constitution

Indian Polity 

Polity, Governance & IR

UPSC CSE

Ace the toughest competitive and government exams in India 

Test Preparation

Union Public Service Commission Exams (UPSC)

An introduction to the Course and a list of ALL TOPICS and chapters covered in this course.

Introduction to the Course.

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Part-1 of the Summary of Chapter-1 of 'Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth'. 

This chapter covers the historical background of the Indian Constitution. It covers the various different British era laws which influenced and affected the making and the contents of the Constitution of India. The various laws include:
1. Regulating Act of 1773.
2. Pitt’s India Act of 1784.
3. Charter Act of 1833.
4. Charter Act of 1853.
5. Government of India Act of 1858
6. Indian Councils Act of 1861, 1892 & 1909.
7. Government of India Act of 1919.
8. Government of India Act of 1935.
9. Indian Independence Act of 1947.

* This lesson covers all Acts until Indian Councils Act of 1892. The rest of the Acts are covered in Pt-2 of the lesson in a separate video.

Historical Background Pt-1 (Chapter-1.1)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Part-2 of Chapter-1 of M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity. Covers 'Indian Councils Act of 1892 & 1909; and Govt of India Act of 1919'.

Historical Background Pt-2 (Chapter-1.2)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Covers the Simon Commission, Communal Award, Government of India Act of 1935 & Indian independence Act of 1947.

Historical Background Pt-3 (Chapter-1.3)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Covers the Constituent Assembly. The various important aspects and facts about the Constituent Assembly of India. Chapter-2 topics :
1. Composition of the Constituent Assembly.
2. Other Important aspects of Constituent Assembly.
3. Major Committees.
4. Important Facts.
5. Criticisms of Constitution Assembly.

Making of the Constitution (Chapter-2)

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Covers various unique features of the Constitution of India, Nature of the Constitution and of the Indian State & Government. Chapter-3/Pt-1 topics :
1. Lengthiest Written Constitution.
2. Various Sources of Constitution.
3. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility.
4. Quasi-Federal Structure.
5. Parliamentary form of Govt.

Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-1 (Chapter-3.1)

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Deals with topics like Parliamentary Sovereignty, Judicial Supremacy, 'Due process of Law', 'Procedure Established by Law', integrated & independent Judiciary & others. Also covers Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy & Indian Secularism, as Salient Features of the Constitution of India.

Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-2 (Chapter-3.2)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Final part of Chapter 3, covering Universal Adult Franchise, Single Citizenship, Three-tier Government, Independent Bodies, Cooperative Societies & Criticisms of the Constitution.

Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-3 (Chapter-3.3)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Summarises Chapter-4 of the M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity. Covers the Preamble of the Constitution & its significance, amendability, text and nature.

Preamble of the Constitution (Chapter-4)

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Part 1 of Chapter-5 covers the provisions of the Constitution for the Union and its Territory, spanning from Article 1 to Article 4 of the Constitution. Includes powers to form new States, reorganise states, and integration of Princely States in India after Independence.

Union and its Territory Pt-1 (Chapter-5.1)

**CORRECTION - Sikkim was converted into an associate state in 1974.** Andhra Pradesh was created in 1956 through State Reorganisation Act and not in 1953. The Andhra State was created in 1953.

Part-2 of Chapter-5 covers the reorganisation of States on the basis of language after Independence and also covers the creation of new States and Union Territories after 1956 to this day.

Union and its Territory Pt-2 (Chapter-5.2)

*notes available on https://laxmikanthsummary.wordpress.com

Part-1 of Chapter 6 deals with the various Constitutional provisions regarding citizenship. It also covers the Citizenship Act of 1955 and various changes to it through amendments over the years. Thus lesson covers three methods of acquiring citizenship - by birth, by descent & by Registration.

Citizenship Pt-1 (Chapter-6.1)

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This is part-2 of Citizenship. It covers the ways of acquiring citizenship by Naturalisation and by Incorporation of Territory. It also covers special provisions under Assam Accord and Ways to Loose Citizenship. Single Citizenship & Overseas Citizens of India Cardholder has also been covered.

Citizenship Pt-2 (Chapter-6.2)

This chapter gives an overview and an introduction to the Fundamental Rights. It covers the various features of the Fundamental Rights & the manner in which they can be restricted by the State under Article 33 & 34. The Saving of Laws Clause under Article 31A, 31B & 31C has also been covered.

Fundamental Rights : Salient Features (Chapter-7.1)

Covers The Right to Equality and all Articles under it from 14-18. Individually dealing with - Equality before Law and Equal Protection of Law, Prohibition of discrimination, Equality of opportunity in Public Employment, Abolition of Untouchability & Abolition of Titles.

Fundamental Rights : Right to Equality (Chapter-7.2)

This is part 1 of the Fundamental Right to Freedom. This lesson covers Art 19, (Protection of Six Rights : Speech & expression/ Assembly / Association / Movement / Residence / Profession) & Art 20 (Protection in respect of conviction for offences).

Fundamental Rights : Right to Freedom Pt-1 (Chapter-7.3)

Part 2 of Right to Freedom. Covers Article 21 (Protection of Life & liberty), Article 21A (Right to Education) & Article 22 (Protection against arrest & detention in certain cases)

Fundamental Rights : Right to Freedom Pt-2 (Chapter-7.4)

Cover the Fundamental Right against Exploitation from Article 23 (Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour) & Article 24 (Prohibition of Employment of Children in factories, etc.)

Fundamental Rights : Right against Exploitation (Chapter-7.5)

Covers Right to Freedom of Religion (Art 25-28). 
Art 25 - Freedom of Conscience & free profession, practice & propagation of religion. 

Art 26 - Freedom to manage Religious Affairs. 

Art 27 - Freedom from Payment of taxes for promotion of any religion. 

Art 28 - Freedom from attending religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions.

Fundamental Rights : Right to Freedom of Religion (Chapter-7.6)

Covers Article 29-30 of the Constitution relating to Cultural & Educational Rights as a Fundamental Right.

Fundamental Rights : Cultural and Educational Rights (Chapter-7.7)

Covers Article 32 - Right to Constitutional Remedies. Deals with the various writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari & Quo Warranto.

Fundamental Rights : Right to Constitutional Remedies (Chapter-7.8)

Conclusion to Fundamental Rights. Discusses the various criticisms & Significance of Fundamental Rights in India. Also deal with Rights outside of Part-lll - Legal Rights or Constitutional Rights.

Fundamental Rights :Criticism & Significance (Chapter-7.9)

Covers Article 36 to Article 51 - Directive Principles of State Policy. It also deals with the features, criticism, & significance of directive principles. Also discussed is the DPSP outside of Part lV.

Directive Principles of State Policy (Chapter-8)

Covers Part IVA, Article 51A of the Constitution - Fundamental Duties. Contains a detailed discussion of each of the Fundamental Duties assigned by the Constitution. Also discussed are the various criticisms & the significance of the Fundamental Duties.

Fundamental Duties (Chapter-9)

Deals Article 368 of Part XX - Constitutional Amendments. Discusses the various methods of Amendment - Simple Majority, Special Majority & Special Majority +Consent of States. It also deals with the various provisions which can be amended through the different procedures.

Amendment of the Constitution (Chapter-10)

Covers the Basic Structure of the Constitution. The various elements, provisions, features of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

Basic Structure of the Constitution (Chapter-11)

Covers the Parliamentary System in India. The various features, merits & demerits of Parliamentary System.

Parliamentary System (Chapter-12)

Covers the various federal as well as the Unitary features of the Constitution.

Federal System (Chapter-13)

Covers the Legislative Relations between the Centre and States. Includes discussion of the the Union List, State List & Concurrent list. The Legislative Territorial jurisdiction of the centre & states and the various controls that the Centre has over the law making powers of the States. Also discussed is the circumstances under which Parliament can make laws on State Subjects.

Centre-State Legislative Relations (Chapter-14.1)

Part-1 of Administrative Relations between the Centre & States.

Centre-State Administrative Relations Pt-1 (Chapter-14.2)

Centre-State Administrative Relations Pt-2.

Centre-State Administrative Relations Pt-2 (Chapter-14.3)

Part 1 of Financial Relations between Centre and States in India. Discusses the distribution of Taxing powers, tax revenues between Centre & States. Also discussed is the power to release Grants-in-Aid by the Centre or the States.

Centre-State Financial Relations Pt-1 (Chapter-14.4)

Part 2 of Financial Relations between Centre and States in India. Discusses the finance commission & its role, tax Exemption of State & Centre properties, relations during Emergencies and so on.

Centre-State Financial Relations Pt-2 (Chapter-14.5)

The various points of conflicts between Centre & States. Discusses the various commissions, Committees, & resolutions brought in to solve the issues in Centre-State Relations.

Centre-State Relations - Trends & Developments (Chapter-14.6)

Discusses Constitutional provisions regarding Inter-State Relations. Includes discussions on Inter-State Water Disputes, Inter-State Councils And the Inter-State Council established in 1990.

Inter-State Relations Pt-1 (Chapter-15.1)

Discusses - 'full faith & credit to public acts, records and Judicial Proceedings' / Inter-State trade, commerce & intercourse / Zonal Councils.

Inter-State Relations Pt-2 (Chapter-15.2)

Discusses Article 352 - National Emergency. The grounds on which National Emergency can be declared. The process of approval by the Parliament and the revocation or disapproval of the emergency is also discussed. The effects of the National Emergency has also been discussed including the suspension of Fundamental Rights under Art 358 & 359.

Emergency Provisions : National Emergency (Chapter-16.1)

Discusses the Art 360 - Financial Emergency. The grounds on which a Financial Emergency can be imposed, its effects and duration is also discussed. The lesson also summarises Chapter-16 with the criticisms of Emergency Provisions.

Emergency Provisions : Financial Emergency (Chapter-16.2)

Discusses Article 356 - the powers of the President to declare a President's Rule on a state. It discusses the two grounds on which President's Rule can be declared mentioned in Art 356 & 365.
Also discussed is the scope for Judicial Review of the President's Rule & the duration & effects of the same.

Emergency Provisions : President's Rule (Chapter-16.3)

Discusses the election process of the President of India. Discusses the Single Transferable Vote System in Detail.

President : Election by Single Transferable Vote (Chapter-17.1)

Discusses the qualifications & conditions for the President of India. Discusses the term, Impeachment proceedings, & Vacancy of the post of President of India.

Office of the President (Chapter-17.2)

Discusses the various powers & functions of the President of India including Executive, Legislative, financial, Judicial, diplomatic, Military & emergency powers.

Powers & Functions of President Pt-1 (Chapter-17.3)

Covers & concludes the Powers & Functions of President of India. Discusses the Veto powers of the President, the ordinance Making powers of the President & the Pardoning powers of the President. Also discussed is the Constitutional position of the president & the Direct Discretionary Powers of the President of India.

Powers & Functions of President Pt-2 (Chapter-17.4)

Discusses the Vice-President of India. The chapter deals with the election, qualifications, term of Office, emoluments, vacancy, Powers & Functions of the Vice-President of India.

Vice-President (Chapter-18)

Discusses the Appointment, Oath, Term, Emoluments of the Prime Minister of India. Also discussed are the Powers and functions of the Prime Minister in relation to the President, Council of Ministers, & Parliament.

Prime Minister (Chapter-19)

Discusses the Union Council Of Ministers. It deals with the Appointment, term, powers & Functions, Constitutional Provisions in relation to the Council of Ministers.

Central Council of Ministers (Chapter-20)

Deals with the various features of the Cabinet Committees. Also discussed are the current active Standing Cabinet Committees and their role in governance at the Centre. The lesson also discusses the now abolished GoMs & EGoMs.

Cabinet Committees (Chapter-21)

Discusses the Organisation, Composition, election & Duration of the Parliament of India.

Parliament - Election & Composition (Chapter-22.1)

Discusses the Qualifications, disqualifications, salary & allowances for a member of Parliament.

Parliament - Membership (Chapter-22.2)

Discusses the Office of the Speaker & Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chairman & Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Panel of Chairpersons of Lok Sabha & Panel of Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha. Also discussed is the Office of the Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition, Whip & the Parliament Secretariats.

Parliament - Officers & Leaders (Chapter-22.3)

Discusses the Voting procedure in the Houses of the Parliament. Also discussed is the process of summoning or proroguing the Parliament, the dissolution of Lok Sabha, Adjournment, Adjournment Sine Die, Languages in Parliament & Special Rights of Ministers and Attorney General of India.

Sessions of Parliament (Chapter-22.4)

Discusses Question Hour, Zero Hour. Also discussed & elaborated in detail is the meaning of Motions are tha various different categories of motions - Substantive Motion, Subsidiary Motion, Substitute Motion.

Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings Pt-1 (Chapter-22.5)

Discusses the various devices of Parliament - Closure Motion, privilege Motion, Adjournment Motion, censure motion, no-confidence motion, No-Day-Yet-Named motion, Youth Parliament & others.

Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings Pt-2 (Chapter-22.6)

Covers in detail the procedure to pass an Ordinary Bill and enact it into an Act or Law. It includes a detailed discussion of the various stages of and within the First Reading, Second Reading & Third Reading. Also discussed is the procedure in the Second House & the Procedure applied by the President for enacting a Bill into a Law.

Ordinary Bills (Chapter-22.7)

Discusses the process of passing money bills and the powers of the two houses in regard to Money Bills.

Money Bills (Chapter-22.8)

Discusses Financial Bill (I) & (II). The various differences and similarities between financial Bills and money bills and the matters that are dealt with in either of the bills.

Financial Bills (Chapter-22.9)

Discusses the Union Budget in detail. It discusses the various components of the budget, and the various stages through which the budget must go through before it is enacted.

Budget in Parliament (Chapter-22.10)

Covers the various types of grants apart from the budget including - Supplementary Grant, Excess Grant, Vote of Credit, token grant, additional grant, and exceptional grant.
Also discussed are the various types of funds authorised to be used by the Central Govt in the the Constitution including - Consolidated Fund of India, Public Accounts of India, and Contingency Fund of India.

Grants in Parliament (Chapter-22.11)

Describes the meaning of Parliamentary Privileges, the different types of privileges - collective and individual. Also explains the difference between 'breach of privilege' and 'contempt of House'.

Parliamentary Privileges (Chapter-22.12)

Discusses the role and function of Parliamentary Committees. The various different types of Parliamentary Committees such as Ad Hoc Committees and Standing Committees, Select Committees and Joint Committees, Financial Committees and Departmental Standing Committees.

Parliamentary Committees Pt-1 (Chapter-23.1)

Discusses the types of standing Committees of the Parliament. Also discusses the consultative Committees attached to the Ministries.

Parliamentary Committees Pt-2 (Chapter-23.2)

Discusses the role and function, objectives of all 8 Parliamentary Forums.

Parliamentary Forums (Chapter-24)

Discusses the Indian Parliamentary Group, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Details role of the IPG as the National Group for IPU & the main branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Parliamentary Groups (Chapter-25)

Discusses the salient Features of the Supreme Court, including appointment and removal of Judges, Constitutional provisions regarding the Supreme Court, etc.

Supreme Court (Chapter-26.1)

Discusses the Original Jurisdiction, Writ Jurisdiction, Appellate Jurisdiction & Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Jurisdiction of Supreme Court (Chapter-26.2)

Discusses the Supreme Court's Powers as a Court of Record. It also disscusses its other powers and the types of advocates who are allowed to practise in the Supreme Court.

Powers of Supreme Court (Chapter-26.3)

Discusses the meaning, scope and provisions of Judicial Review in India.

Judicial Review (Chapter-27)

Discusses the concept, importance and justification of Judicial Activism as well as Judicial Restraint.

Judicial Activism (Chapter-28)

Discusses the introduction of PILs in India and its development thereafter. It also discusses the scope and principles of PIL.

Public Interest Litigation (Chapter-29)

Discusses the Appointment, term, conditions, Executive powers & Legislative powers of the office of the Governor of a State in India.

Governor Pt-1 (Chapter - 30.1)

This lesson continues detailed discussions on the Legislative powers, Judicial Powers, financial powers & Discretionary Powers of the Governor in States.

Governor Pt-2 (Chapter-30.2)

Discusses the position & Powers of the Chief Minister in relation to the Governor, State Legislature & State Executive.

Chief Minister (Chapter-31)

Discusses the various Constitutional provisions in relation to State Council of Ministers. Also discusses the nature of their relationship with the Governor and the Collective as well a s individual responsibility of the Council of Ministers.

State Council of Ministers (Chapter - 32)

Discusses State Legislature and its composition, election of members, provisions for bicameral legislature and other important topics within the chapter.

State Legislature Pt-1 (Chapter-33.1)

Discusses the process of vacation of Seats in the legislature. Also discusses the office of the Speaker & Deputy Speaker, Chairman & Deputy Chairman.

State Legislature Pt-2 (Chapter-33.2)

Discusses the process applied to pass a Money Bill, or Ordinary Bill in the State Legislature. Also discusses the Privileges of the State Legislature.

Legislative Procedure & Privileges in States (Chapter-33.3)

Discusses composition of High Courts, and the manner in which High Court Judges can be appointed or removed or transfered. Also discusses the how the independence of the High Court is maintained.

High Court (Chapter-34.1)

Discusses the Original, Appellate, Writ, Supervisory Jurisdiction of the High Courts. Also discusses it control over Subordinate courts and functions as court of Record and the power of judicial review.

Jurisdiction & Powers of High Court (Chapter-34.2)

Deals with the various types of Subordinate courts functioning under the High Courts. It also discusses the powers of the district & Sessions judge's courts, Subordinate Courts, Munsiff’s Court, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Judicial Magistrate. Also discusses National Legal Services Authority & Lok Adalat.

Subordinate Courts Pt-1 (Chapter-35.1)

Discusses in detail the functioning & features of Lok Adalats and Family Courts & Gram Nyayalayas.

Subordinate Courts Pt-2 (Chapter-35.2)

Part - 1 of this chapter deals with the J&K special status in the Indian Federation. It deals with he special provisions regarding the same in the Constitution and especially Article 370.

Special Status of J&K Pt-1 (Chapter 36.1)

Discusses the features of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. Also discusses the interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir.

Special Status of J&K Pt-2 (Chapter-36.2)

Discusses the special provisions mentioned in the Constitution for Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Special provisions for some States Pt-1 (Chapter-37.1)

Discusses special provisions for the States of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, etc.

Special Provisions for some States Pt-2 (Chapter-37.2)

Discusses the evolution of Panchayati Raj institutions through the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, Ashok Mehta Committee & the G V K Rao Committee.

Evolution of Panchayati Raj Pt-1 (Chapter-38.1)

Discusses the various Committees on Panchayati Raj institutions including LM Singhvi Committee, Thungon Committee, Gadgil Committee. Also discusses the final constitutionalisation of the Panchayati Raj institutions through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992

Evolution of Panchayati Raj Pt-2 (Chapter-38.2)

Discusses the significance of the Act, the salient Features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.

73rd Amendment Act (Chapter-38.3)

Discusses the contents of the 11th schedule, the PESA Act, and the reasons for the ineffectiveness of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Panchayati Raj - Conclusion (Chapter 38.4)

Discusses the salient Features of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 which constitutionalised Municipalities in Part IX-A

Municipalities (Chapter-39.1)

Disscusses Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils, Notified Area Committees, Town Area committees.

Types of Urban Govts Pt-1 (Chapter-39.2)

Discusses Cantonment Board, Township, Special Purpose Agency, Port Trust & also discusses Central Council of Local Government.

Types of Urban Govts Pt-2 (Chapter-39.3)

Discusses the evolution of Union Territories. The administration of Union Territories, the special provisions for Delhi & the Advisory Committees of the Union Territories.

Union Territories (Chapter-40)

Discusses the Constitutional provisions & administration of Scheduled Areas & Tribal Areas under Fifth & Sixth Schedule.

Scheduled & Tribal Areas (Chapter-41)

Discusses the Functions, composition and Constitutional provisions regarding the Election Commission of India.

Lessons

119 lessons • 18h 56m

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Introduction to the Course.

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Historical Background Pt-1 (Chapter-1.1)

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Historical Background Pt-2 (Chapter-1.2)

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Historical Background Pt-3 (Chapter-1.3)

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Making of the Constitution (Chapter-2)

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Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-1 (Chapter-3.1)

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Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-2 (Chapter-3.2)

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Salient Features of the Constitution Pt-3 (Chapter-3.3)

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Preamble of the Constitution (Chapter-4)

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Union and its Territory Pt-1 (Chapter-5.1)

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