Indian Constitution (overview)

                    Indian Constitution

The system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, corporation, or the like, is governed is known as Constitution of that particular entity.

Indian constitution is the world’s most detailed and the lengthiest constitution. It is present in written form. It was adopted on 26 NOV, 1949 and came into effect on 26 JAN, 1950. The constitution was drafted by a constituent assembly whose chairman was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He had studied the constitution of about 60 countries. He is regarded as the “Father of Indian constitution”.

Salient features of Indian Constitution: -

Ø  Longest written constitution in the world

Ø  Constitution of India replaced the Government of India Act, 1935.

Ø  With the enactment of the Constitution the dominion of India became the republic of India.

Ø The day on which the constitution came into effect is celebrated as ‘Republic Day’

Preamble to the Indian Constitution

Ø The constitution starts with a Preamble.

Ø It has 25 parts, 448 Articles, 12 schedules and 5 Appendices.

Ø  It has been amended 103 times.

Ø  It provides the Indian nation with a democratic form of government.

Ø  it establishes a parliamentary form of government.

Ø  It formulates a Quasi-Federal structure.

Ø  It is flexible in nature

Ø  It holds the provision of judicial Review this feature was borrowed from the judicial review in the United States

Ø  It safeguards the rights of its citizens (fundamental Rights)

Ø  Along with these rights there are articles that deal with the Fundamental Duties

Ø  The constitution has been influenced from other countries in its making, for example:

                 ·        Parliamentary government and Rule of Law – UK

                 ·        Bill of Rights, separation of powers – US

                 ·        Directive Principals of state policy – Ireland

                 ·        The basic ideals of liberty, equality & Fraternity – France

                 ·        Quasi-federal structure – Canada

                 ·        Fundamental Duties – Soviet Union

                 ·        Emergency Provision – Germany

                 ·        To amend the constitution – Japan

Conclusion: - Constitution of India is not a parchment or a piece of paper but it is a way of life. It lays down the safeguarding features that protect its citizens liberty and establishes equality and promotes fraternity. It directs the authorities to govern properly.

PS: For the complete text of the Constitution visit  Constitution of India (Full Text)