The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. It was adopted on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The Constitution also guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
The Indian Constitution is a written constitution, which means that it is set out in a single document. This is in contrast to an unwritten constitution, which is based on a body of precedents and conventions. The Indian Constitution is also a federal constitution, which means that power is shared between the central government and the state governments.
The Indian Constitution has been amended 104 times since it was adopted. The first amendment was passed in 1951, and the most recent amendment was passed in 2019. The amendments have been made to reflect changes in society, to address new challenges, and to make the Constitution more effective.
The Indian Constitution is a living document, which means that it is constantly evolving. It is a product of its time, and it reflects the values and aspirations of the Indian people. The Constitution is a symbol of national unity, and it is a source of inspiration for all Indians.
Sources of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is a product of many different sources. Some of the most important sources include:
- The Government of India Act 1935: This was the last major act of the British Parliament to govern India. It provided for a federal system of government, with a central government and provincial governments.
- The Constitution of Ireland: The Irish Constitution was adopted in 1937. It was the first written constitution to be adopted in a commonwealth country. The Indian Constitution borrowed heavily from the Irish Constitution, particularly in the areas of fundamental rights and judicial review.
- The Constitution of the United States: The United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world. It was adopted in 1787, and it has been amended 27 times. The Indian Constitution borrowed heavily from the United States Constitution, particularly in the areas of federalism and separation of powers.
- The Constitution of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Constitution was adopted in 1936. It was the first constitution to be adopted in a socialist country. The Indian Constitution borrowed some ideas from the Soviet Constitution, particularly in the areas of economic planning and social welfare.
- The Constitution of the United Kingdom: The United Kingdom does not have a written constitution. However, the British common law has had a significant influence on the Indian Constitution. For example, the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is derived from British common law.
Features of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is a unique document. It is a product of many different sources, and it reflects the values and aspirations of the Indian people. Some of the most important features of the Indian Constitution include:
- It is a written constitution: The Indian Constitution is set out in a single document. This is in contrast to an unwritten constitution, which is based on a body of precedents and conventions.
- It is a federal constitution: The Indian Constitution provides for a federal system of government, with power shared between the central government and the state governments.
- It is a secular constitution: The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens.
- It is a socialist constitution: The Indian Constitution aims to promote economic and social justice for all citizens.
- It is a democratic constitution: The Indian Constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government, with the people having the right to elect their representatives.
- It is a republican constitution: The Indian Constitution does not have a monarch as the head of state. Instead, the head of state is the President, who is elected by the people.
- It is a welfare state: The Indian Constitution aims to provide for the welfare of all citizens. This includes providing for education, health care, and social security.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is a living document. It is constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs of the Indian people. The Constitution is a symbol of national unity, and it is a source of inspiration for all Indians.