Right To Constitutional Remedies: Article 32

Introduction

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution embodies the Right to Constitutional Remedies, often regarded as the “heart and soul” of the Constitution. This provision serves as a safeguard against the infringement of fundamental rights by the state or any other entity. Article 32 ensures that individuals have access to an effective legal remedy to seek justice and protection against violations of their rights, thereby upholding the rule of law and ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution.

Right to Constitutional Remedies in India

• These contain remedies for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of an aggrieved citizen. The right to get the Fundamental Rights protected is in itself a fundamental right. 
• Four Provisions in Article 32:

1. 1. Right to move to the Supreme Court.
   2. The Supreme Court has the power to issue writs.
   3. Parliament can empower any other court to issue directions, orders and writs of all kinds.
   4. Right to move the Supreme Court shall not be suspended except as otherwise provided by the Constitution.

• Basic Feature of the Constitution: The Supreme Court ruled that its power under Article 32 is a Basic feature of the Constitution. 
• Sine Qua Non: Violation of Fundamental Rights is the sine qua non for the exercise of the rights conferred by Article 32.
• Suspension of Fundamental Rights: Constitutionally, the President can suspend the right to move any court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights during a National Emergency (Article 359).
• Enforcement of Fundamental Rights: The jurisdiction of the SC is original but not exclusive. It is concurrent with the jurisdiction of the High Court under Art.226.
  • SC ruled that where relief through the High Court is available under Article 226, the aggrieved party should first move the High Court.
• Limitations on Article 32 Invocation: Article 32 cannot be invoked to determine the constitutionality of an executive order or legislation unless it directly infringes any of the Fundamental Rights.
• Ambedkar: “It is an article without which this constitution be a nullity”. It’s the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it.

WRITS: Types and Scope

• Borrowed from English prerogative writs fountain of justice.
• Parliament, under Art.32, can empower any other court to issue these writs.

• The Supreme Court (Article 32) and High Court (Article 226) can issue writs, namely:
• Differences Between Article 32 and Article 226 Writ Jurisdiction:
  • Mandatory Exercise by Supreme Court: Article 32 grants a Fundamental Right to remedy, making it mandatory for the Supreme Court to exercise its writ jurisdiction. 
    • Conversely, Article 226 provides discretionary power to High Courts for writ jurisdiction. 
    • Differential Roles: While Article 32 positions the Supreme Court as a defender and guarantor of fundamental rights, Article 226 empowers High Courts with writ jurisdiction as part of their general authority.

Comparison between the writ jurisdiction of Supreme Court Vs High Court:

Conclusion

• The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that citizens have access to an effective legal remedy to enforce their fundamental rights. 
• It empowers individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court to seek justice and protection against violations of their rights, thereby upholding the rule of law and ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution. 
• Article 32 embodies the principle that the judiciary serves as a guardian of fundamental rights and acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislature, thus playing a vital role in preserving the democratic fabric of the nation.