Article 34: MARTIAL LAW AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

🔹 Intro to Article 34 Article 34 of the Constitution says that when Martial Law is imposed in any area of India, Fundamental Rights (FRs) can be restricted. Parliament can also protect (indemnify) government servants or Army officers for actions taken during Martial Law, so that those actions cannot be challenged in court. Martial Law means military rule over civilians when normal government and courts fail due to rebellion, war, or large-scale violence. 🔹 Small Example Imagine in a city: A big violent rebellion breaks out. Police cannot control it. Govt declares Martial Law in that city. Army takes charge: Curfew from 6pm, No public meetings, If rioters attack, Army fires on them. After order is restored, some people may say: “Army violated our Fundamental Rights (like right to movement or speech). We will go to court.” 👉 But Article 34 allows Parliament to pass a law saying: Army cannot be punished for those actions. Those restrictions on FRs were legal under Martial Law. 🔹 What is Article 34? Ar…