The Indian Constitution is not just a legal document; it is the soul of the nation, guiding India through its complexities

Every year, on November 26, India celebrates Constitution Day, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’. This day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949, a landmark event that laid the foundation for India’s democratic ethos. As we reflect on this momentous occasion, it is imperative to understand the making, functioning and future challenges of this legal document that has been the guiding force for the world’s largest democracy, India. The drafting of the Indian Constitution was an extraordinary achievement, considering the diversity and complexities of India. Following independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly, comprising 299 members, undertook the monumental task of framing a constitution for a newly liberated yet diverse nation. Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, chaired the drafting committee, ensuring that the document reflected justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. The Assembly took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to complete the drafting process, during which it conducted exhaustive debates and deliberations. Drawing inspiration from the constitutions of various nations, such as the United States, Ireland and Canada, the Indian Constitution incorporated the best practices while tailoring them to Indian realities.

On January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into effect, marking the birth of the Republic of India. The Indian Constitution, with its 448 articles, 12 schedules and numerous amendments, is one of the most detailed constitutions in the world. Its core strength lies in its ‘flexibility’ and ‘adaptability.’ While being rigid in its foundational principles, it allows amendments to address evolving socio-political challenges. Since its adoption, the Constitution has guided the nation through numerous challenges, including partition, economic crises, and social upheavals, ensuring continuity and stability. Despite its success, the Indian Constitution faces several challenges.  India faces growing tensions between the Centre and states over resource allocation, legislative powers and administrative autonomy, while concerns about judicial activism and transparency persist despite the judiciary’s role as a constitutional custodian. Issues such as money power, criminalisation of politics and declining voter turnout demand urgent reforms. At the same time, caste-based discrimination, gender inequality and regional disparities continue to undermine the nation’s progress, despite constitutional safeguards. Balancing individual freedoms with national security has become increasingly challenging in the digital age. As India approaches its centenary as a Republic, there is a pressing need to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution’s ideals by strengthening institutions for accountability and transparency, fostering participatory democracy, upholding the secular and pluralistic ethos and ensuring that constitutional amendments preserve its core principles.