Constitutional Law is the body of law that defines the fundamental principles, structure, and functioning of a State. It lays down the supreme legal framework within which all other laws are made and enforced. In India, Constitutional Law is primarily derived from the Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950.
It regulates the distribution of powers among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, safeguards Fundamental Rights, and ensures constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. Constitutional Law acts as a guardian of democracy by limiting governmental authority and protecting the rights and liberties of citizens.
Objectives of Constitutional Law
The main objectives of Constitutional Law are:
To establish the structure of government
It defines the powers, functions, and limits of the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
To protect Fundamental Rights
It ensures civil liberties such as equality, freedom, and justice to all citizens.
To maintain constitutional supremacy
It declares the Constitution as the supreme law, overriding all other laws.
To ensure separation of powers
It prevents concentration of power by distributing authority among different organs.
To promote democratic governance
It provides a framework for free elections, accountability, and representative government.
To uphold the rule of law
It ensures that no person or authority is above the law.
To secure social, economic, and political justice
It aims to achieve the ideals expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution.