Indian Constitutional Law - Essential Sources of Study

Constitution of indiaessential sources
Written By Madhav Bhatia

Indian Constitutional Law is a complex and captivating field that forms the bedrock of India's Legal System. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Indian Constitution, exploring the right sources becomes crucial. In this blog post, we will delve into the significant sources one can utilize to study Indian Constitutional Law. By leveraging these resources, you can embark on a comprehensive journey of legal knowledge and gain insights into the intricate fabric of India's constitutional framework.

The Indian Constitution:

The Indian Constitution itself serves as the primary and most authoritative source for studying Indian Constitutional Law. Familiarizing yourself with the Constitution's text, including its preamble, articles, and schedules, is essential. The Indian Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in India. Our comprehensive constitution provides the framework for governance, outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and establishes the structure and powers of the government.

Constituent Assembly Debates

To comprehend the original intent of the founding fathers and gain insights into the thought process behind the provisions of the Constitution, the Constitution Assembly Debates contained in 12 Volumes hold significant importance. The deliberations and discussions that took place during the assembly sessions provide valuable context and rationale for the various constitutional provisions.

The Constitution Assembly Debates serve as a comprehensive record of the conversations, arguments, and negotiations among the members of the Constituent Assembly. These debates shed light on the diverse perspectives, ideologies, and considerations that influenced the drafting and shaping of the Constitution.

An excellent source containing the debates can be found here

General Textbooks and Commentaries:

Textbooks and commentaries authored by renowned legal scholars offer comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Indian Constitutional Law. These resources provide a systematic interpretation of constitutional provisions, landmark judgments, and evolving legal principles. The following books are widely used in law schools and provide valuable insights into various dimensions of Indian Constitutional Law:-

  • D.D. Basu, Shorter Constitution of India (15th ed., 2018)

  • H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India (4th ed.)

  • M. P. Singh, V. N. Shukla’s Constitution of India (13th ed., 2019)

  • S. Choudhry, M. Khosla, and P.B. Mehta, The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution, Oxford Handbooks (Oxford University Press, 2016), https://books.google.co.in/books?id=d0knDAAAQBAJ.

  • Udai Raj Rai, Fundamental Rights and their Enforcement (2011)

Other Notable Readings

Case Laws

Studying landmark judgments and analyzing their implications is indispensable in understanding the practical application of constitutional principles. Case law plays a crucial role in shaping and interpreting constitutional provisions. Websites such as Indian Kanoon, Supreme Court Cases (SCC), and the Supreme Court of India's official website (E-SCR) provide access to a vast collection of Indian constitutional case law.

Case Material of Law Faculty, Delhi University pertaining to Constitutional Law can be found here: Constitutional Law

Legal Publications and Legal Blogs

Legal publications offer valuable scholarly articles, research papers, and analysis of the Indian Constitutional Law. Legal Blogs and journals provide critical insights into emerging legal issues, recent judgments, and academic discourse. Subscribing to these journals or accessing them through online databases will keep you updated on the latest developments and scholarly debates.

The following are some recommended legal publications pertaining to the Indian Constitution:-

'Indian Constitutional Law and Phil Blog - Focuses on admin and constitutional law', curated by Adv. Gautam Bhatia, stands out as an exemplary blog in the field of constitutional law. For exploring various topics pertaining to administrative and constitutional law, this blog is an invaluable resource. In addition to this, 'Bar & Bench - Journalism' and 'Livelaw' are two reputable sources that offer comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in the legal field. These sources provide a wealth of information, ensuring readers stay well-informed about the law and it’s evolving landscape.

Judge’s Lectures:

Lectures delivered by sitting and retired judges can provide invaluable insights into Indian Constitutional Law. One distinguished judge in this regard is Rohingtan Nariman. It is advisable to stay updated by regularly checking law school websites, professional associations, and online learning platforms. These platforms often host lectures by esteemed judges, providing an excellent opportunity to deepen one's understanding of Indian Constitutional Law.

Madhav Bhatia
Previous

Resolving The Conundrum Of Enforceability Of Unstamped Arbitration Agreements
Next

Implications for High Court Autonomy and Tipping the balance of Power