The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, providing a framework for governance and outlining the rights and duties of citizens. It came into force on January 26, 1950, and established India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
With a preamble and 470 articles in 25 parts, along with 12 schedules and 5 appendices, it is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
The Constitution of India guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens, ensuring their freedom, security, and equality. These rights serve as a cornerstone for individual liberties and act as a check against state power.
Article 14-18 of the Constitution guarantee equality before the law, prohibit discrimination, and ensure equal protection of the laws to all citizens.
Articles 19-22 protect freedom of speech, assembly, movement, residence, and profession, as well as the right to life and personal liberty.
Articles 32-35 ensure that citizens can approach the Supreme Court and High Courts for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education for children between 6-14 years. Article 15(1)(g) prohibits discrimination at work.
Articles 29 and 30 protect the rights of minorities to conserve their culture and establish educational institutions of their choice.
Part IVA of the Constitution outlines 11 fundamental duties of citizens, including defending the country, promoting harmony, preserving natural resources, and paying taxes.
The Constitution of India is a living document, designed to adapt to the changing needs of the nation. Amendments are made through a parliamentary process, ensuring the Constitution remains relevant and responsive to societal evolution.
There are three types of amendments: simple majority, special majority, and constitutional amendment. Most provisions can be amended with a simple majority.
Amendments are proposed as bills, passed by both houses of Parliament, and then assented to by the President. Some amendments require ratification by state legislatures.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and can strike down amendments that violate its basic structure or fundamental rights.
The Directive Principles serve as guidelines for the state to promote the welfare of its people and establish a just and equitable society.
They cover a wide range of social, economic, and political ideals, including reducing inequality, promoting education, protecting monuments, and safeguarding the environment.
While not enforceable by courts, they are fundamental to governance and the state shall apply these principles in making laws.
The Constitution establishes India as a federal state, with a clear separation of powers between the central and state governments. This ensures a balanced distribution of authority and prevents the concentration of power in a single entity.
| Central Government | State Governments |
|---|---|
| The Union government represents the entire country and handles external affairs, defense, currency, and interstate trade. | State governments handle law and order, public health, agriculture, and local governance. They are responsible for implementing central policies at the state level. |
| The Union government is led by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. | Each state has a Chief Minister and Council of Ministers responsible for the state's administration and answerable to the state legislative assembly. |
| The President of India is the ceremonial head of state and acts on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. | Governors are appointed by the President to each state and act as nominal heads, but their role is largely ceremonial. |
The Constitution also establishes an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex, to interpret laws and resolve disputes, ensuring a separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
