One-page map of Part III
| Right group | Articles | What to recall first |
|---|---|---|
| Equality | 14–18 | Equality before law, non-discrimination, public employment, abolition of untouchability and titles |
| Freedom | 19–22 | Six freedoms, criminal protections, life and liberty, arrest safeguards |
| Against exploitation | 23–24 | Trafficking, forced labour, and child labour restrictions |
| Religion | 25–28 | Conscience, profession, institutions, taxes, and instruction |
| Cultural and educational | 29–30 | Cultural interests and minority educational institutions |
| Remedies | 32 | Supreme Court enforcement of Fundamental Rights |
Citizens versus persons
Article 19 belongs to citizens. Articles 14, 20, and 21 protect persons. Article 15 uses citizen-focused non-discrimination rules, while Article 16 concerns equality of opportunity for citizens in public employment.
The five writs
- Habeas corpus: test detention.
- Mandamus: enforce a public duty.
- Prohibition: stop a lower court or tribunal before it exceeds jurisdiction.
- Certiorari: quash a jurisdictionally defective order.
- Quo warranto: test authority to occupy public office.
Article 32 is a Fundamental Right and is limited to Fundamental Rights. Article 226 is wider because a High Court may act for Fundamental Rights and for other legal purposes.
Restrictions and emergency traps
Article 19 freedoms carry clause-specific grounds of reasonable restriction. “Public interest” is not a universal answer. Article 20 prevents ex post facto criminal punishment, double jeopardy, and compelled self-incrimination. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty through a just, fair, and reasonable procedure.
Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended through an Article 359 order even during an emergency. Rights and remedies questions should therefore be solved in this order: identify the holder, identify the state action, identify the exact restriction ground, then identify the remedy.
Final check: do not confuse an enforceable right, a reasonable restriction, and the court used to enforce it.