Note for Constitution of India - CI By DR. JANMEJAY SENAPATI

Topics ( 22 )

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CONSTITUTION OF INDIA…  It establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government and spells out the Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy and Duties of citizens.  Constitution of India was passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and it came into effect on 26th January 1950.  Constitution of India declares the Union of India to be a sovereign, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality and liberty and to promote among them all fraternity.  It is the longest written constitution in the world.  It contained 395 articles, 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of commencement.

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CONSTITUTION OF INDIA…  There are 1,17,369 words in the English version.  Besides the English version, there is an official Hindi translation of our constitution.  Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.  He was known as the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution.  Major part of India was under British rule from 1858 to 1947.  In this period there was the freedom movement to gain independence from the foreign rule.  The movement ended in the formation of India and Pakistan on 15th August 1947.

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CONSTITUTION OF INDIA…  Then we start to govern our country ourselves according to our own constitution from 26th January 1950. WHY DO WE NEED A CONSTITUTION? 1. The first function of a constitution is to provide a set of basic rules which allow for minimum co-ordination among members of a society. 2. The second function of a constitution is to specify who has the power to make decisions in the society. It decides how the government will be constituted. 3. The third function of a constitution is to set some limits on the power of government.  Fundamental rights are possessed by the citizens of our country.

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CONSTITUTION OF INDIA…  No government is allowed to violate such rights.  Constitution protects the fundamental rights of citizens.  Citizens are protected from being arrested arbitrarily and for no reason.  This is one limitation on the power of government.  Citizens have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, freedom of association, freedom to conduct a trade or business etc.  But these rights can be limited during national emergency and the constitution specifies the circumstances under which these rights may be withdrawn.