Overview
This lecture covers the history, development, structure, and key features of the Indian Constitution, highlighting important acts, committees, and exam-relevant facts.
Historical Evolution of the Indian Constitution
- British rule in India evolved through several Acts: Regulating Act (1773), Pitt's India Act (1784), Charter Acts, and Government of India Acts.
- Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764) expanded British control.
- Regulating Act 1773 established the Supreme Court at Calcutta and office of Governor-General of Bengal.
- Charter Act 1833 made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India.
- Government of India Act 1858 transferred power from East India Company to British Crown, creating the Viceroy and Secretary of State posts.
- Indian Councils Act 1909 introduced separate electorates for Muslims ("Morley-Minto Reforms").
- Government of India Act 1919 established dyarchy and bicameral legislatures.
- Government of India Act 1935 introduced federal structure, separation of powers, and established RBI.
Making of the Indian Constitution
- Constituent Assembly formed in 1946 under Cabinet Mission Plan with 389 members (296 from British India, rest from princely states).
- First meeting was on 9 December 1946; Sachchidananda Sinha was temporary president.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected as permanent president; B.N. Rau appointed as constitutional advisor.
- Main committees: Drafting Committee (Chairman: B.R. Ambedkar), Union Powers Committee (Nehru), Provincial Committee (Patel).
- The Drafting Committee had 7 members: Ambedkar, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, K.M. Munshi, Gopalaswamy Ayyangar, Saadulla, Madhava Rao, T.T. Krishnamachari.
- Constitution took 2 years, 11 months, 18 days to complete; adopted on 26 Nov 1949, came into effect 26 Jan 1950.
Key Features and Structure of the Constitution
- Preamble declares India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
- At commencement: 395 articles, 8 schedules, 22 parts; now 470+ articles, 12 schedules, 25 parts due to amendments.
- Important parts:
- Part I: Union and Territory
- Part II: Citizenship
- Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)
- Part IV: Directive Principles (Articles 36–51)
- Part IVA: Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
- Part V: Union Government
- Part VI: State Government
- Part IX: Panchayat Raj
- Part X: Scheduled and Tribal Areas
- Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360)
- Major amendments: 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble.
Borrowed Features from Other Constitutions
- UK: Parliamentary system, rule of law, single citizenship.
- USA: Fundamental rights, judicial review, impeachment procedure, preamble idea.
- Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy, presidential election method.
- Canada: Federal structure with strong center, advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court.
- Australia: Concurrent list, joint sitting of Parliament.
- USSR (now Russia): Fundamental Duties, ideals of justice.
- France: Republic concept, ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Constituent Assembly — Body that drafted the Indian Constitution.
- Preamble — Introduction stating the principles and objectives of the Constitution.
- Fundamental Rights — Basic rights guaranteed under Part III (Articles 12–35).
- Directive Principles (DPSP) — Guidelines for government (Part IV).
- Fundamental Duties — Obligations of citizens added by the 42nd Amendment.
- Bicameralism — Two houses in legislature (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Revise key acts and dates related to Indian administration history.
- Memorize parts, schedules, and main articles of the Constitution.
- Study the borrowed features and sources of the Indian Constitution.
- Prepare for questions on committees and their chairpersons.
- Review the first and current composition of the Constitution (articles, schedules, parts).