- What is name of your country? India, that is Bharat.. So goes Article 1. It is not Hindustan or Al Hind or something else. The name of our country is defined by the constitution. It should not be taken for granted because, historically India has meant different geographical entities at different points of time. India at the time of Delhi Sultanate was different from that of British Raj.
- Which state are you from?: When you answer this question, you are infact adhering to the States as defined by Article 2 of the constitution of India.
- What are you? A citizen or alien? The constitution is bestowing upon you citizenship (even though the conditions are fixed by Parliament). If this is not explicitly done, what is to stop an American to claim that he is an Indian? Nothing. He can enjoy voting rights like you do and who knows a lot of migrants might overwhelm you and usurp power here. The constitution makes you special in the territory of India.
- Don’t ever visit Goa: I hate you so much that I want to stop you from having all the fun. Well, Article 19(1) (d) gives you freedom of movement, so I can’t really stop you.
- So many cars out there choking me: What am I to do about all this pollution? I can file a complaint with the National Green Tribunal. How is it that such a tribunal is there in the first place? It’s because Article 21 guarantees you Right to Life.
- I want to convert you to Shintoism: I love shintoism. I want to convert you. I want you to believe in my shaman gods only. Well, tough luck. The damn constitution Article 25 is preventing me from doing that to you. You have a right to profess, practice and propagate your own religion. I can only tell you how great Shintoism is, but can’t convert you.
- Bring the body, damn it!: Let’s just say that Habeas Corpus and move on.
- Stand up for the national anthem, Yo!: Well, don’t forget to stand in attention. These things are mentioned in the Constitution, however implemented through parliamentary laws.
- Don’t kill that cow: Article 48, man.
- I wanna sue the President: Nops. Union, State governments and their powers completely defined.
- Atleast let me go sit in the Parliament: Again, eligibility defined in constitution.
- Ok, I’ll conduct the election then: Article 324 man. Already taken by Election commission.
- Can I atleast be on the electoral roll?: Yup. Article 325 (not unless you are 18, btw)
I can go on and on. But since Article 19 1(a) gives me freedom of speech and I can stop whenever I want, so adieus.