Introduction to Indian Constitution: Indian Polity

Indian Constitution: To run a country, a framework that talks about rules and rights is required. In simple words, this framework is provided by the Indian Constitution. It is the supreme law of the land that envisages a world where all citizens have equal opportunities and enjoy certain rights.

It contains procedures, powers and duties of both the governments and the citizens. It was drafted by the constituent assembly and took almost three years for its completion. It was adopted by the assembly on 26th November 1949 and on 26th January, 1950, it became effective.

Indian Constitution: Constituent Assembly

The constituent assembly was tasked to frame the Indian Constitution. It was headed by Dr Ambedkar, who is also eulogised as the Father of the Indian Constitution. Initially, it had 389 members. Later, it was truncated to 299. The members were elected from provincial assemblies.

Also Read: Dr Ambedkar Scholarships

Indian Constitution: Structure

At the time of its enactment, the Indian Constitution had 395 articles in 22 parts and also had 8 schedules. It has 470 articles which are now grouped into 25 parts and has 12 schedules. Till date, it has been amended 104 times.

Salient Features

Here are the salient features of the Indian Constitution:

a. It is the lengthiest written constitution

b. Parliamentary form of government

c. The judiciary is independent

d. Single citizenship

f. Federal system

g. Rigidity and flexibility

h. Emergency provision

Preamble

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is a statement that talks about the philosophy, objective, and the source. It is needless to say that the source is the people. It reads thus:

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Also Read: Kesavananda Bharati case

Fundamental Rights

In simple words, a right is an entitlement a citizen enjoys. The Indian constitution guarantees six fundamental rights. They are:

Right to Equality
Right todom of Speech
Right against Exploitation
Right todom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies

Fundamental Duties

While a citizen undeniably enjoys certain rights that the Indian Constitution guarantees, they also have to perform several duties for the country. They are:

Respect national anthem and flag
Cherish noble ideas that inspireddom struggle
To protect India’s sovereignty, integrity and unity
To defend the country and perform national services as required
To promote spirit of harmony and brotherhood among citizens
Cherish rich national heritage of India
To develop scientific temperament, humanism and spirit of inquiry
To strive for excellence in all genres

The three Pillars

The Indian Constitution has broadly three pillars. They are:

The Legislature
The Executive
The Judiciary

All these pillars work interdependently in a spirit to ensure proper running of the country. These pillars also work on the principle of separation of powers and offer a ‘checks and balances’ system to ensure accountability.

Additionally, the media is considered the fourth pillar of Indian democracy.

We hope this article on Introduction to Indian Constitution helps you understand the spirit and importance of the all-important document. For more such informative pieces, please keep visiting Embibe.