Indian Constitution – Features
The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework demarcating the political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens. Here is a detailed analysis of its key features:
1. Preamble
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. It assures its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. Lengthiest Written Constitution
The Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions in the world. It originally had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. As of now, it contains 470 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and 105 amendments.
3. Federal System with Unitary Bias
The Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a clear division of powers between the Centre and the States. However, in cases of emergency, it can transform into a unitary state.
4. Parliamentary Form of Government
India follows a parliamentary system of government which is borrowed from the British model. This system ensures a close relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government.
5. Fundamental Rights
Part III of the Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
6. Directive Principles of State Policy
Part IV of the Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51). These are guidelines to the central and state governments of India, meant to be kept in consideration while framing laws and policies. They are not enforceable by any court but aim to establish a just society.
7. Fundamental Duties
Part IVA (Article 51A) was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, listing the fundamental duties of the citizens.
8. Independent Judiciary
The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, to safeguard the constitution and protect the fundamental rights of the citizens. The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
9. Secular State
India is a secular state, which means that there is no official state religion. The Constitution ensures that the state treats all religions equally.
10. Universal Adult Franchise
The Constitution provides for universal adult suffrage, meaning that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote irrespective of caste, creed, religion, sex, or economic status.
11. Single Citizenship
Unlike the federal systems of other countries, India has a single citizenship system. Every Indian, irrespective of the state in which they reside, is a citizen of India.
12. Emergency Provisions
The Constitution contains elaborate emergency provisions which enable the central government to meet any abnormal situation effectively. The President can proclaim three types of emergencies: National Emergency, State Emergency, and Financial Emergency.
13. Special Provisions for Certain States
There are special provisions for states like Jammu and Kashmir (now altered post Article 370 abrogation in 2019), Nagaland, Assam, and others, given their unique socio-cultural contexts.
14. Amendment Procedure
The Constitution provides a detailed procedure for its amendment, ensuring that it is neither too rigid to adapt to changes nor too flexible to be amended easily. Most amendments require a special majority of the Parliament, and some also require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
15. Language
The Constitution recognizes Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. However, it also allows the use of English for official purposes.
These features collectively ensure that the Indian Constitution is a dynamic and comprehensive document capable of guiding the nation through various challenges and changes while maintaining its core principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
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