Course Plan | Odd Semester 2026-27 | KLE Law College, Bengaluru

Constitutional Law - I — Full Course Plan

The complete, searchable course plan for Constitutional Law-I (Course Codes 21LLLC101 / 21LALC202 / 21LBLC202 / 21LCLC202) — every unit, topic, session count, the full 54-case reading list, prescribed and reference books, and the ISA evaluation scheme.

Programme: LL.B. / B.A.LL.B. / B.B.A.LL.B. / B.Com.LL.B.Semester: I (3-yr LLB) / III (5-yr programmes)Credits: 4 (L-T-P-S 3-1-0-0)Total sessions: 65ISA / ESA marks: 50 / 50
Course Coordinator: Mr. Avishkar Kumar VermaCourse Teachers: Dr. Sharada K.S., Ms. Tilaka N.S., Ms. Siddhi Suman, Mr. Avishkar Verma, Ms. N.R. DivyashreeReviewer: Mr. Harsh Pratap SinghPrepared: 18.07.2026 · Reviewed: 25.07.2026
Course description. The Constitution of India is an essential socio-legal document and serves as the fundamental law of the country, holding the power of enforceability. It establishes a basic framework for governance and safeguards the rights of its citizens. The course delves into the study of Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), and Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the Constitution, alongside the historical context and salient features of the Constitution.
Quick jump
Course objectives
  1. Course Objective means what the Faculty teaches , therefore it Teacher centric.
  2. To understand the evolution and prominent features of the Constitution.
  3. To comprehend the meaning, significance, nature and limitations of fundamental rights, and the scope of judicial review and constitutional remedies.
  4. To foster a critical understanding of the principles underlying the right to equality, prohibition of exploitation, elimination of discrimination, and the concept of affirmative action.
  5. To study facets of the right to life and liberty, including reasonable restrictions, and the balance between individual liberties and societal interests.
  6. To familiarise students with freedom of religion, protection of minority rights, and the interplay between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights.
Course outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the meaning, evolution, purposes, objectives and salient features of the Constitution.
  2. Define fundamental rights, identify the corresponding duty-holder, and explain the role of constitutional remedies.
  3. Critically analyse the principles and doctrines of equality and non-discrimination, and the implications of affirmative action.
  4. Examine the dimensions of fundamental freedoms, including the right to life and liberty, and the scope of reasonable restrictions.
  5. Evaluate the constitutional provisions on freedom of religion, minority rights, and DPSPs vis-à-vis Fundamental Rights.
Unit-wise plan

Sixty-five sessions across five units. Each topic below lists its planned number of sessions and the pedagogy used to teach it.

Unit I: Introduction

8 sessions
Unit learning outcomes
  • Outcome means results from students ,its Student centric
  • Explain the history of the Constitution of India.
  • Explain the salient features of the Constitution of India.
  • Constructively interpret the principles enshrined in the Preamble.
  • Distinguish between laws and laws in force.
  • A brief constitutional history

    1 session

    The Government of India Act, 1935; the Indian Independence Act, 1947; drafting committees and Constituent Assembly debates.

    Lecture Method
  • Salient features of the Constitution of India

    2 sessions

    Modern, lengthy and written Constitution; Preamble - Socialist, Welfare, Secular and Responsible Government; Federal and Unitary features; Fundamental Rights, minorities and backward classes, elections; independent judiciary; rigid and flexible amendment; Parliamentary and Presidential form of government; universal adult franchise and single citizenship; emergency provisions; three-tier government, and more.

    Lecture Method
  • The Preamble

    2 sessions

    Meaning, scope, importance and objectives; the values enshrined in the Preamble.

    Flip Classroom Method
  • Key definitions and Article 13

    3 sessions

    Law, law in force, and the territory of India; Article 13 - pre- and post-constitutional laws; the Doctrine of Eclipse, Severability and Waiver; Judicial Review.

    Lecture Method

Unit II: Fundamental Rights

13 sessions
Unit learning outcomes
  • Classify and explain the fundamental rights.
  • Differentiate between fundamental rights and human rights.
  • Interpret the agencies and instrumentalities of the State.
  • Explain the nature of State obligations.
  • Meaning, nature, importance and scope of fundamental rights

    2 sessions

    Differences between fundamental rights and human rights.

    Lecture Method
  • Duty holder - State and instrumentalities

    4 sessions

    Article 12, definition of “State”; other authorities - judicial interpretation.

    Lecture Method
  • Nature of State obligations

    1 session

    Positive obligations (to protect, promote and fulfil) and negative obligations.

    Lecture Method
  • Fundamental rights and amendment

    2 sessions

    Articles 13 and 368; amendment procedure; limitations; the Basic Structure theory.

    Lecture Method
  • Constitutional remedies

    4 sessions

    Articles 32 and 226; the five writs - Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Quo Warranto and Prohibition; judicial activism.

    Flip Classroom Method

Unit III: Equality, Non-Discrimination & Right Against Exploitation

13 sessions
Unit learning outcomes
  • Analyse reasonable classification under Article 14.
  • Critically analyse the provisions on non-discrimination.
  • Critically analyse the provisions on forced labour, child labour and human trafficking.
  • Distinguish between protective discrimination and prohibition of discrimination.
  • Equality - Article 14

    4 sessions

    Equality before law and equal protection of law; reasonable classification - intelligible differentia and rational nexus; legitimate expectation, reasonableness and fairness; principles of natural justice - Audi Alteram Partem and Nemo Judex in Causa Sua.

    Lecture Method and Flip Classroom
  • Non-discrimination - Article 15

    4 sessions

    Protection against discrimination; prohibitive grounds of discrimination; affirmative action / protective discrimination; amendments under Article 15.

    Lecture Method
  • Equal opportunity in public employment - Article 16

    4 sessions

    Equality of opportunity; prohibition of discrimination; reservations for backward classes; exceptions and interpretations - creamy layer, carry-forward rule.

    Lecture Method
  • Abolition of titles - Article 18

    1 session

    Prohibition of titles by the State; exceptions.

    Lecture Method
  • Right against exploitation

    1 session

    Articles 23 and 24 - prohibition of forced and bonded labour, and protection from trafficking.

    Lecture Method

Unit IV: Right to Life, Liberty and Freedoms

14 sessions
Unit learning outcomes
  • Explain the right to life and liberty, and differentiate ‘due process of law’ from ‘procedure established by law’.
  • Describe the judicial interpretations of the right to life and liberty, and identify new dimensions of the same.
  • Analyse freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, profession, trade, business or occupation, and apply proportionality to restrictions.
  • Examine the rights of the accused against arbitrary arrest and detention, ex post facto law, double jeopardy and self-incrimination.
  • Right to life and liberty - Article 21

    5 sessions

    Meaning, nature and scope; judicial interpretations and new dimensions - the various facets of Article 21; differences between ‘due process of law’ and ‘procedure established by law’.

    Seminar Method
  • Right to freedoms - Article 19

    6 sessions

    Freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, profession, trade, business or occupation; facets of freedom of speech and expression; reasonable restrictions under Articles 19(2) to 19(6); the Doctrine of Proportionality - legitimate aim, fairness and reasonableness.

    Flip Classroom Method
  • Rights of the accused - Articles 20 and 22

    4 sessions

    Protection against arbitrary arrest and detention; ex post facto law; double jeopardy; self-incrimination.

    Lecture Method

Unit V: Religious Freedom, Minority Rights, DPSPs & Fundamental Duties

14 sessions
Unit learning outcomes
  • Comprehend religious freedom, secularism, religious denomination, and the Essential Religious Practice test.
  • Explain the cultural and educational rights of minorities.
  • Explain the purpose, significance and enforceability of the Directive Principles of State Policy vis-à-vis Fundamental Rights.
  • Analyse the Ninth Schedule, judicial review, and Articles 31-B and 31-C.
  • Religious freedom - Articles 25 to 28

    5 sessions

    Secularism and religious denomination; the Essential Religious Practice test, convention and constitutional morality; freedom of conscience and religion, managing religious affairs, freedom from paying taxes for the promotion of religion, and freedom from attending religious instruction.

    Lecture Method
  • Cultural and educational rights of minorities - Articles 29 & 30

    3 sessions

    Protection of minority interests; the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

    Lecture Method
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

    2 sessions

    Nature and scope; purpose and significance; enforceability - Part III and Part IV.

    Lecture Method
  • Ninth Schedule, Article 31-B and 31-C

    2 sessions

    Judicial review and the Ninth Schedule; the Basic Structure doctrine.

    Lecture Method
  • Fundamental Duties - Part IV-A

    2 sessions

    Article 51-A; significance and enforceability.

    Flip Classroom Method
Prescribed & reference books

Prescribed books

  • M.P. Singh (ed.), V.N. Shukla, Constitution of India, Lucknow: Eastern Book Company (13th edn., 2018).
  • Justice J. Chelameshwar and Justice D.S. Naidu (eds.), M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, New Delhi: LexisNexis (8th edn., 2018).

Reference books

  • Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation, Delhi: Oxford University Press (2018).
  • H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India, New Delhi: Universal Law Publishing Co. (4th edn., 2015).
  • D.D. Basu, Shorter Constitution of India, Gurgaon: LexisNexis (15th edn., 2018).
  • S. Shiva Rao, Framing of Indian Constitution, New Delhi: Universal Law Publishing (2005).
List of cases (54)

As furnished in the course plan. Use the search box above to jump straight to a case by party name or citation.

  1. In Re Berubari Union Case, 1960
  2. Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461
  3. I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab, AIR 1967 SC 1643
  4. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 2299
  5. Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India, AIR 1980 SC 1789
  6. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 1918
  7. Synthetics and Chemicals Ltd. v. State of U.P., (1990) 1 SCC 109
  8. Rajasthan State Electricity Board v. Mohanlal and Ors., AIR 1967 SC 1857
  9. Sukhdev Singh & Ors. v. Bhagatram Sardar Raghuvanshi & Anr., AIR 1975 SC 1331
  10. R.D. Shetty v. The International Airport Authority of India and Ors., AIR 1979 SC 1628
  11. Som Prakash v. Union of India, AIR 1981 SC 212
  12. Ajay Hasia and Ors. v. Khalid Mujib, AIR 1981 SC 487
  13. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachilhu, AIR 1993 SC 412
  14. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 2299
  15. Pradeep Kumar Biswas v. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and Ors., AIR 2002 SC 1963
  16. A.R. Antulay v. R.S. Nayak, AIR 1988 SC 1531
  17. I.C. Golaknath v. State of Punjab, AIR 1967 SC 1643
  18. State of Bombay v. Narasu Appa Mali, AIR 1973 Bom 84
  19. Madhu Kishwar v. State of Bihar, AIR 1996 SC 1864
  20. Ahmedabad Women Action Group v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 361
  21. Bhikaji v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1955 SC 781
  22. State of Bombay v. R.M.D. Chamarbaugwala, (1957) SCR 874
  23. Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras, AIR 1950 SC 124
  24. Basheshwar Nath v. Commissioner of Income Tax, AIR 1969 SC 49
  25. Daryao v. State of U.P., AIR 1961 SC 1457
  26. S.P. Gupta v. President of India, AIR 1982 SC 149
  27. Ashok Hurra v. Rupa Bipin Zaveri, (2002) 7 SCC 1
  28. R.K. Dalmia v. Justice Tendolkar, AIR 1958 SC 538
  29. In re The Special Courts Bill, 1978, (1978) 1 SCC 538
  30. D.S. Nakara v. Union of India, (1983) 1 SCC 305
  31. State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar, AIR 1952 SC 75
  32. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1982 SC 1336
  33. E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu, AIR 1974 SC 555
  34. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, AIR 1978 SC 597
  35. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan, (1997) 6 SCC 241
  36. Balaji v. State of Mysore, AIR 1963 SC 649
  37. Valsamma Paul v. Cochin University, AIR 1996 SC 1010
  38. Pradeep Jain v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 1420
  39. Preeti Sagar Srivastava v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1999 SC 2894
  40. State of Kerala v. N.M. Thomas, AIR 1976 SC 490
  41. T. Devadasan v. Union of India, AIR 1964 SC 179
  42. ABSK Sangh (Rly.) v. Union of India, AIR 1981 SC 298
  43. K.C. Vasanth Kumar v. State of Karnataka, AIR 1985 SC 1495
  44. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, AIR 1993 SC 477
  45. Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (II), AIR 2000 SC 498
  46. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. State of Bihar, AIR 1996 SC 75
  47. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 76 of 2016
  48. Joseph Shine v. Union of India, 2018 SCC OnLine SC 1676
  49. Union of India v. Naveen Jindal and Anr., (2004) 2 SCC 510
  50. Bijoe Emmanuel and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors., AIR 1987 SC 748
  51. People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, (2004) 2 SCC 476
  52. People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 568
  53. R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu, AIR 1995 SC 264
  54. Sakal Papers v. Union of India, AIR 1962 SC 305

Note: two case titles (Golaknath and Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain) are repeated in the original course plan document; both occurrences are retained above to match the source exactly.

Evaluation scheme for ISA
AssessmentWeightage (marks)
Mid-term exam15
Teacher-Evolved Assessment Method I — Moot Court15
Teacher-Evolved Assessment Method II — Case Analysis15
Attendance05
Total (ISA)50

TEAM I — Moot Court exercise

15 marks

Students are given a moot problem. By draw of lots, each student is assigned a side (petitioner or respondent) and prepares a written memorial for that side. During the actual moot, students present oral arguments for a maximum of 15 minutes. Bloom’s levels 2–5; course outcomes 3 and 6.

ComponentMarks
Memorial (total 7)7
Understanding of essential legal issues1.5
Understanding of facts1.5
Proper use of citation1
Effective use of authority to support arguments1.5
Format1.5
Presentation (total 8)8
Knowledge of facts1.5
Logic and reasoning1.5
Persuasiveness and deference to the court1
Analysis of legal issues2
Knowledge and use of legal sources2

Marks breakdown transcribed as furnished in the course plan; the Memorial line item totals 7 marks overall even though its own listed sub-items sum to slightly more — this reflects the source document as supplied, not a transcription choice.

Moot Court rubric

Criteria4 (Good)3 (Average)2 (Needs improvement)1 (Poor)
Language proficiencyArgument clearly conveyed; body language is confident and controlled.Good, coherent statements; body language is good.Language riddled with grammar errors.Language not decipherable; incoherent statements.
Analysis of law & facts in argumentsWholly relevant, based on facts and data.Somewhat relevant; some facts mentioned.Irrelevant and not based on facts.No legal analysis.
Originality of argumentStrong, well-reasoned and well-articulated central argument.Original central argument, well-reasoned but not well-articulated.A central argument exists but lacks originality.No central argument.
Logic & researchStrong, data-driven, interdisciplinary research; faultless logic.Research reflects the debate’s points, data-driven and well-reasoned.Little or no research behind the argument.

TEAM II — Case Analysis

15 marks

Each student is allocated two case laws by the course teacher and prepares a case analysis using the FILAC method (Facts, Issues, Law, Analysis, Conclusion), written in class under supervision within a maximum of 45 minutes. Minimum 1,000 words per case (2,000 words / six pages total). Bloom’s levels 2–4; course outcomes 1–5.

Case Analysis rubric

ElementExcellent (4)Good (3)Fair (2)Average (1)
FactsAll material facts identified, stated lucidly and precisely.Partially identified, stated appropriately.Incorrect identification, stated inappropriately.
IssuesAll relevant issues identified, well structured.Partially identified, fairly structured.Incorrectly identified / unable to identify, lacks structure.
Legislation usedAll relevant laws identified with thorough understanding.Incorrect identification, incomplete understanding.
AnalysisAll issues and laws analysed effectively.Partially analysed issues and laws applicable.Incorrect analysis, or failed to analyse issues and laws.
ConclusionWell-founded, flows from proper analysis.Inappropriate, does not flow from analysis.

The original rubric table has an irregular grid (some cells apply across two grade columns). The reconstruction above preserves the wording exactly but merges cells where the source did.

Weightage of course outcomes
Course outcomeWeightage in assessment
CO120
CO220
CO320
CO420
CO520
Total100