Making of Indian Constitution

Introduction

The Constitution is the fundamental law of a country which reflects the fundamental principles on which the government of that country is based. It is the vehicle of a Nation’s progress. The concept of constitution was first originated in U.S.A.

The Need for a Constitution

All Democratic countries have a constitution that governs them. A constitution puts down certain principles that form the basis of any kind of a state that we as citizens, desire to live in. A constitution tells us the fundamental nature of our society.

Making of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India was framed by a Constituent Assembly setup under the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946. The Assembly consisted of 389 members representing Provinces (292), States (93), the Chief Commissioner’s provinces (3) and Baluchistan (1). The Assembly held its first meeting on December 9, 1946.

Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, the oldest member, was elected as the temporary President of the Assembly. While the work was in progress, Dr. Sahchidananda Sinha died. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the Assembly. Similarly, both H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were elected as the Vice-Presidents of the Assembly. The Assembly met for 11 sessions along with 166 days of meetings. During the discussion, 2473 amendments were presented. Some of them were accepted. The Assembly worked through various committees and the draft of the Constitution was prepared by the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He is recognised as the ‘Father of the Constitution of India’.

After the draft had been discussed by the people, the press, provincial assemblies and others, the Constitution was finally adopted on November 26, 1949, contained a Preamble, 22 parts, 395 Articles and 8 Schedules. The drafted Constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950. This day is known as the Republic Day. It is being observed every year.

Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution. The original constitution was handwritten by him in a flowing italic style.

 

 

Salient features of Indian Constitution

• It is the lengthiest of all the written constitutions of the world.

• It has borrowed most of its provisions from the constitutions of various countries.

• It is partly rigid and partly flexible.

• It establishes a federal system of government.

• It makes India as a secular state.

• It provides an independent judiciary.

• It introduces Universal Adult Franchise and accords the right to vote to all citizens above 18 years of age without any discrimination.

Preamble

The term ‘preamble’ refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution. It consists of the ideals, objectives and basic principles of the Constitution. It has great value and has been described as the ‘key to the Constitution’.

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the ‘Objective Resolution’, drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. It has been amended once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, which added three new words - socialist, secular and integrity. The Preamble begins with the phrase ‘We, the People of India’. Thus, we can say that the people of India are the source of our Constitution. The Preamble of our Constitution states that India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. Its aim is to secure to all Indian citizens Social, economic and political justice.

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were the important slogans during the French Revolution in 1789. They are given importance in the Preamble of our Constitution.

Conclusion

The Constitution of India is a monumental document that serves as the backbone of India's democratic framework. It was crafted with the vision of a just, inclusive, and sovereign nation, drawing upon diverse sources and the wisdom of visionary leaders. The process of creating the Constitution was both meticulous and collaborative, involving extensive discussions and debates in the Constituent Assembly. It embodies the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, striving to ensure that all citizens are granted justice, freedom, and opportunities to flourish in a fair society.

 

Through its dynamic and evolving nature, the Indian Constitution reflects the changing needs of the nation, while also staying true to its foundational values. Its Preamble, enriched by the ideals of sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and republic, serves as a guiding light, offering clarity on the nation's core principles. Today, the Constitution remains a testament to the vision of the founding fathers, ensuring that India continues to thrive as a vibrant democracy.

 

 FAQs

 

When was the Constitution of India adopted?

 
The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.

 

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution of India'?

 
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is regarded as the 'Father of the Constitution of India' due to his crucial role in its drafting.

 

What is the significance of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

 
The Preamble outlines the fundamental principles of the Constitution, including the country's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It also reflects India's identity as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.

 

How many parts and Articles are there in the Indian Constitution?

 
The Constitution of India consists of 22 parts, 395 Articles, and 8 Schedules.

 

Is the Indian Constitution rigid or flexible?

 
The Indian Constitution is partly rigid and partly flexible. While some provisions can be amended easily, others require a more rigorous process.

 

What does the term 'Universal Adult Franchise' mean?

 
Universal Adult Franchise means that every Indian citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, regardless of gender, religion, or caste.

 

How has the Indian Constitution been amended?

 
The Constitution of India has been amended several times to address changing societal needs, with the most significant amendment being the 42nd Amendment in 1976, which added the words "socialist," "secular," and "integrity" to the Preamble.

 

Who was the calligrapher of the Indian Constitution?

 
Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher who handwrote the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution in a flowing italic style.