Articles 33 to 35 of the Indian Constitution define how fundamental rights apply to armed forces and allow limited restrictions to maintain discipline, security, and national stability.

BulletsIn

• Article 33 empowers Parliament to restrict or modify fundamental rights of armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and intelligence personnel to ensure discipline, duty performance, and national security.
• Laws enacted under Article 33 may limit freedoms such as speech, association, political participation, media interaction, and public demonstrations for personnel involved in national security responsibilities.
• Parliament alone holds authority to legislate under Article 33, and such laws cannot be challenged in courts for violating fundamental rights.
• Article 34 allows restrictions on fundamental rights during martial law and authorizes Parliament to grant legal protection to officials for actions taken to restore order.
• Martial law refers to military control over civil administration during severe breakdown of law and order, temporarily replacing normal governance and legal systems.
• The Constitution does not explicitly define martial law, but the concept is derived from English common law and is considered implicit under Article 34.
• Article 35 ensures that only Parliament has the power to legislate on specific fundamental rights matters to maintain uniformity across the country.
• It also authorizes Parliament to define punishments for offenses related to fundamental rights such as untouchability and human trafficking.