Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Article 32
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The question focuses on a famous statement by Dr B R Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India. He referred to a particular Article as the heart and soul of the Constitution. This expression is widely quoted in polity books and exam material, so aspirants are expected to know which Article he was describing and why it is so important.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The phrase heart and soul of the Constitution is explicitly mentioned.
- The question asks which Article is associated with this phrase.
- The options list different Articles dealing with various rights and provisions.
Concept / Approach:
Dr B R Ambedkar called Article 32 the heart and soul of the Constitution because it gives citizens the right to move the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of their fundamental rights. Without an effective remedy, fundamental rights would remain largely theoretical. Therefore, Article 32, which empowers both citizens and the Supreme Court through writ jurisdiction, is central to the protection of rights and is rightly described as the heart and soul.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Standard polity textbooks always highlight Article 32 in the chapter on fundamental rights and mention Ambedkar s heart and soul quote. Article 32 is also described as itself a fundamental right. Cross checking this consistent information in more than one source makes the answer very secure.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Article 4 deals with laws made under Articles 2 and 3 about admission and formation of new states and does not relate to constitutional remedies.
Article 28 concerns freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in educational institutions, which is important but not described as the heart and soul.
Article 30 deals with the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions, again significant but not the one Ambedkar highlighted with this phrase.
Article 21 guarantees protection of life and personal liberty and is very important, but the specific phrase heart and soul was used for Article 32, not Article 21.
Common Pitfalls:
Because Article 21 is also extremely important, some learners wrongly assume that the heart and soul quote refers to it. Another confusion arises because Article 32 and Article 226 both deal with writs, but the quote refers only to Article 32. Remembering that the right to move the Supreme Court directly is what Ambedkar emphasised helps fix the association with Article 32.
Final Answer:
Dr B R Ambedkar described Article 32 as the heart and soul of the Constitution of India.
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