"Judiciary is a watchdog to protect the fundamental rights." Evaluate.

"Judiciary is a Watchdog to Protect Fundamental Rights" — Evaluation:

Under the constitutional scheme, the Supreme Court (Article 32) and High Courts (Article 226) are designated as the guarantors and protectors of citizens' Fundamental Rights.

• Constitutional Shield (Article 13): Declares any legislative law or executive order void if it violates Fundamental Rights, empowering the judiciary with the tool of Judicial Review.
• Prerogative Writ Jurisdiction: Issues 5 constitutional writs—Habeas Corpus (against illegal detention), Mandamus (compelling public duty), Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo-Warranto.
• Expansive Interpretation of Article 21: Broadened the scope of life and liberty to include right to privacy (Puttaswamy case), right to clean environment, livelihood, and speedy trial.
• Basic Structure Doctrine (1973): Protects fundamental rights and judicial independence from being abrogated even by constitutional amendments.

Conclusion: The judiciary acts as an indispensable bulwark safeguarding individual liberties against state authoritarianism.