Background of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. Its formation was deeply rooted in India’s freedom struggle and shaped by various historical developments and influences.
1. British Colonial Legacy
- Regulating Act of 1773 to Government of India Act 1935 – A series of British laws governed India and introduced centralization, federalism, and rule of law.
- Government of India Act, 1935:
- Became the main blueprint for the Indian Constitution.
- Introduced provincial autonomy and federal features.
2. Indian National Movement
- Indian National Congress (INC) consistently demanded self-rule, civil liberties, and democracy.
- Motilal Nehru Report (1928): First attempt by Indians to draft a Constitution.
- 1931 Karachi Session: Defined fundamental rights as part of the independence movement.
- Quit India Movement (1942) showed mass support for independence.
3. Influences from World Constitutions
- The framers studied various constitutions to adopt the best features:
- UK – Parliamentary system, Rule of Law.
- USA – Fundamental rights, judicial review, independence of judiciary.
- Ireland – Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Canada – Federalism with a strong centre.
- USSR (now Russia) – Fundamental duties, Five-Year Plans.
- France – Ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity.
4. Formation of the Constituent Assembly
- Idea proposed by M.N. Roy (1934) – first demanded a Constituent Assembly.
- Formed in 1946, based on the Cabinet Mission Plan.
- First meeting held on December 9, 1946.
- Presided initially by Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha (interim), then Dr. Rajendra Prasad (elected president).
5. Drafting of the Constitution
- Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (appointed on August 29, 1947).
- Took 2 years, 11 months, 18 days to complete.
- Adopted on November 26, 1949 (celebrated as Constitution Day).
- Came into force on January 26, 1950 – chosen to honor the 1930 Purna Swaraj Declaration.