The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It lays down the framework for the political system, government structure, and fundamental rights of citizens. Adopted on 26th November 1949 and enforced on 26th January 1950, it is the longest written constitution in the world.

The Indian Constitution establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. It ensures justice, equality, and liberty for all citizens and promotes national integrity.

History and Background

Before independence, India was governed by British laws such as:

1. Government of India Act, 1858 – Transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
2. Government of India Act, 1919 – Introduced limited self-governance.
3. Government of India Act, 1935 – Laid the foundation for federal governance.

After independence on 15th August 1947, a Constituent Assembly was formed to draft the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known as the Father of the Indian Constitution, led the drafting committee.

Framing of the Constitution

1. The Constituent Assembly was formed on 9th December 1946.
2. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was its President.
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
4. The Constitution was drafted in 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
5. It was finally adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day).

Key Features of the Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is unique due to the following features:

1. Lengthiest Written Constitution
2. It originally had 395 Articles in 22 Parts and 8 Schedules.
3. After amendments, it now has 470 Articles in 25 Parts and 12 Schedules.
4. Preamble: The Soul of the Constitution
5. The Preamble is an introductory statement that defines India’s principles. It declares India as:
6. Sovereign – Independent nation.
7. Socialist – Promotes economic and social justice.
8. Secular – No official religion; all religions are treated equally.
9. Democratic – Government is elected by the people.
10. Republic – Head of State (President) is elected, not hereditary.
11. Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)
12. The Constitution provides six Fundamental Rights:
13. Right to Equality – No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc.
14. Right to Freedom – Freedom of speech, movement, and profession.
15. Right Against Exploitation – Prohibits child labor and human trafficking.
16. Right to Freedom of Religion – Freedom to practice any religion.
17. Cultural and Educational Rights – Protection of language and culture.
18. Right to Constitutional Remedies – Right to approach courts for justice.
19. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Articles 36-51)
20. These are guidelines for the government to ensure social and economic justice. Some important DPSPs include:
21. Equal pay for equal work.
22. Free and compulsory education.
23. Protection of the environment.
24. Promotion of international peace.
25. Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
26. Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), these are moral duties of citizens, such as:
27. Respect the Constitution and National Flag.
28. Protect the environment.
29. Promote harmony among all citizens.
30. Parliamentary System of Government
31. India has a parliamentary democracy with:
32. President (Head of State).
33. Prime Minister (Head of Government).
34. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (Two Houses of Parliament).
35. Federal Structure with Unitary Features
36. Power is divided between the Central Government and State Governments.
37. In times of emergency, the central government becomes more powerful.
38. Independent Judiciary
39. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority.
40. Ensures justice and interprets the Constitution.
41. Emergency Provisions
42. National Emergency (Article 352) – Declared during war or external aggression.
43. State Emergency (Article 356) – President’s Rule in case of constitutional failure in a state.
44. Financial Emergency (Article 360) – Declared if the country’s financial stability is threatened.

Amendments to the Constitution

The Constitution can be amended to meet new challenges. Some important amendments are:

1. 1st Amendment (1951) – Added restrictions to Fundamental Rights.
2. 42nd Amendment (1976) – Added "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble.
3. 44th Amendment (1978) – Reduced the power of Emergency provisions.
4. 73rd & 74th Amendments (1992) – Strengthened local self-governance (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities).
5. 103rd Amendment (2019) – Introduced 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections