The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India, laying down the framework that defines the political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It is the longest written constitution of any country in the world, consisting of a preamble, 25 parts with 470 articles, 12 schedules, 5 appendices, and 105 amendments as of April 2023.
Key Features of the Indian Constitution
1. Preamble: The preamble outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic.
2. Federal Structure: India is a federal state with a unitary spirit. Powers are distributed between the central government and the states, but the central government has more power in certain areas.
3. Parliamentary System: The Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government that is largely based on the British model but adapted to Indian conditions. It consists of two houses at the national level: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
4. Separation of Powers:There is a clear demarcation of responsibilities among the three branches of government: the Legislature (to make laws), the Executive (to enforce laws), and the Judiciary (to interpret laws).
5. Fundamental Rights:Part III of the Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
6. Directive Principles of State Policy: Part IV outlines the directive principles, which are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to apply in framing laws and policies. They aim at establishing a welfare state.
7. Secular State:The Constitution establishes India as a secular nation, ensuring that all religions are respected equally by the state.
8. Independent Judiciary:The judiciary is independent of the other two branches, with the power to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws passed by the legislature if they are found to be unconstitutional.
9. Scheduled and Tribal Areas:Special provisions are made for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in various parts of the country.
10. Amendment Procedure: The Constitution can be amended to address changing conditions, a process detailed in Article 368. Amendments require different levels of approval, depending on the nature of the amendment.
Since its adoption on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India has been a living document, evolving through amendments to meet the needs of a changing society. It has successfully established a framework for democratic governance and safeguarded the rights and freedoms of its citizens, making it a cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy.
Replacing the Constitution
