The Indian Constitution's Part 7: Understanding The State's Intricacies

The Seventh Amendment of the Indian Constitution, officially known as The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, was passed in 1956. It made numerous amendments to the Indian Constitution, including the introduction of the concept of States and Union Territories, and the appointment of governors in two or more states. The Seventh Amendment also addressed anomalies in the classification of states (Part A, Part B, and Part C states), integrating them into a more uniform structure for better administration and representation.

Part VII of the Indian Constitution

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Part VII of the Indian Constitution has been omitted

Part VII of the Indian Constitution, also known as "The States in Part B of the First Schedule", has been omitted. This part of the constitution included only one article, Article 238, and was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956. The Seventh Amendment was passed alongside the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which reorganised all the states on a linguistic basis. This led to a permanent alteration of the Indian map, removing the Part B states and leaving only the classification of states and Union Territories.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, made changes to the representation in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, made significant changes to the representation in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. This amendment came into effect on November 1, 1956, alongside the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and was enacted to address anomalies in the classification of states (Part A, Part B, and Part C states) and streamline the country's administrative divisions.

The amendment introduced the concept of Union Territories and states, abolishing the previous four-fold classification of states that had existed since 1950. It also made changes to the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha and provided for an additional 20 members in the Lok Sabha to represent these Union Territories. The new Article 81, which replaced the previous Article 81, outlined a new scheme for allocating seats to different states and territorial constituencies within those states.

Furthermore, the Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, provided for the readjustment of constituencies after each census, as outlined in the new Article 82. This amendment also made changes to the verbiage and terms used in several articles to account for the new states and Union Territories scheme.

The amendment also impacted Part VII of the Indian Constitution, which was omitted by the Seventh Amendment Act, 1956. Part VII, known as "The States in Part B of the First Schedule," originally contained only one article, Article 238, which was repealed.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, introduced the concept of States and Union Territories

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, officially known as The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, introduced the concept of States and Union Territories in India. This amendment was a major reform of the boundaries of India's states and territories, organising them along linguistic lines. It came into effect on 1 November 1956, along with the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which provided for the territorial reorganisation of India.

The Seventh Amendment did away with the four-fold classification of States (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D) that had existed since 1950. The distinction between Part A and Part B states was removed, and they became known simply as "states". The Part C and Part D territories that were not merged into other states were converted into Union Territories. This new classification replaced the previous system, which had been in place since the new Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950, making India a sovereign democratic republic and a "Union of States".

The Seventh Amendment made numerous amendments to the Indian Constitution to implement the scheme of reorganisation of States. It brought about significant changes to the structure of India's states and their governance, streamlining the country's administrative divisions in line with the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC). The amendment also aimed to address anomalies in the classification of states, integrating them into a more uniform structure to ensure better administration and representation.

In addition to the reorganisation of states, the Seventh Amendment also made changes related to representation in the Lok Sabha and allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha. It provided for an additional 20 members in the Lok Sabha as representatives of Union Territories and a new scheme for allocating seats to different states and territorial constituencies within the different states. The amendment also provided for the readjustment of constituencies after each census.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, thus played a crucial role in reshaping the administrative and governance landscape of India by introducing the concept of States and Union Territories and making various other amendments to the Indian Constitution.

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The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, addressed anomalies in the classification of states

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, officially known as The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, addressed anomalies in the classification of states in the Indian Constitution. It came into effect on 1 November 1956, along with the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. The Seventh Amendment introduced significant changes to the structure of states and union territories, abolishing the previous four-fold classification of states that had existed since 1950.

During the British Raj, India was divided into British-administered provinces governed directly by the Governor-General and Princely States, which enjoyed internal autonomy but were ultimately under British rule. The Seventh Amendment addressed the constitutional status of these Princely States, which were not considered part of British India, and their inhabitants were not legally recognised as British subjects.

The amendment abolished the three categories of states (Part A, Part B, and Part C) and reclassified certain areas as Union Territories. It also made alterations to the area and boundaries of existing states, establishing new states to align with linguistic, cultural, and regional identities. These changes aimed to reorganise states more coherently and cohesively, promoting better governance and representation.

In addition to territorial changes, the Seventh Amendment also addressed representation in the Lok Sabha and the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha. It made amendments to the Seventh Schedule related to the acquisition of property, ancient monuments, records, and archaeological sites. Furthermore, it empowered the President to adapt laws to bring them into accord with the amended Constitution.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, repealed Part VII of the Indian Constitution, also known as "The States in Part B of the First Schedule," which originally consisted of 22 parts. Part VII contained only one article, Article 238, which was omitted by the Seventh Amendment.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, led to the appointment of governors in two or more states

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, was established in India after the Constitution of India was tasked to divide the states of India in terms of governance and power and appoint heads of state. The amendment helped in the appointment of governors in two or more states and offered term periods for these positions. It also established special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Punjab states based on the importance of or assertive strength of linguistics. The amendment was introduced to make states' segregation more organised, replacing the existing system.

The diversification of the states of India into categories A, B, C, and D, with the remaining areas given union status, was the main agenda of the Seventh Amendment. The amendment was passed as part of the Constitutional changes in India in 1956 and paved the way for the State Reorganisation Act of 1956. The allocations of seats in the legislative council of states were also reaffirmed as part of the changes proposed. The amendment also provided for the appointment of additional and acting judges of the high court and the establishment of a common high court for two or more states.

The Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, also led to the abolition of the privy purse paid to former rulers of princely states. It repealed the states of category B of India as established in Article 238, which was the only article in Part VII of the Indian Constitution. Part VII has since been omitted from the Indian Constitution.

The amendment caused many problems within the local public, including widespread rioting in the state of Maharashtra, where about eighty people were killed. This led to the division of Bombay State into Gujarat and Maharashtra, with Bombay becoming a separate state. However, due to continued protests and public outcry, Bombay was later revised to be part of Maharashtra, with a new capital city of Maharashtra declared in May 1960.

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