Process, Features, and Nature of Indian Constitution Making (Short Notes for BPSC Mains & UPSC)

Process of Making the Indian Constitution

• M.N. Roy (1934) first proposed the idea of a Constituent Assembly.
• INC Demand (1935): Indian National Congress officially demanded a Constituent Assembly.
• Nehru's Declaration (1938): The Constitution of Free India should be framed by an elected Constituent Assembly.
• August Offer (1940): British Government accepted the demand for the first time.
• Cripps Mission (1942): Proposed an independent constitution after WWII, but was rejected by the Muslim League.
• Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Constituent Assembly was constituted under its scheme.
• First Sitting (Dec 9, 1946): The Constituent Assembly met for the first time.
• Partition Impact (1947): Muslim League withdrew, and membership was reduced to 299.
• Finalization (Nov 26, 1949): 284 members signed the Constitution.

Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Written and Lengthy Constitution – The longest written constitution with 25 parts, 12 schedules, and about 444 articles.
2. Preamble – Provides the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution.
3. Sovereign State – Independent in internal and external affairs.
4. Democratic Republic – Head of state (President) is elected.
5. Parliamentary Government – Inspired by the British system; real executive power lies with the elected representatives. 
6. Fundamental Rights (Part III) – Inspired by the American Constitution; limits arbitrary power of the state. 
7. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) – Inspired by the Irish Constitution; guides social and economic justice.
8. Independent Judiciary – Ensures justice and constitutional supremacy.
9. Balance of Power – Coordination between parliamentary supremacy and judicial review. 
10. Rigidity & Flexibility – Some provisions are difficult to amend, while others require only a simple majority.
11. Universal Adult Franchise – Every citizen aged 18+ has voting rights. 
12. Single Citizenship – Unlike the USA, India provides only one citizenship. 
13. Unitary Bias – The central government holds more power than states. 
14. Secularism – The state remains neutral in religious matters. 
15. Socialist State – Economic justice and welfare for all.
16. Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) – Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). 
17. Protection of Minority Interests – Religious and cultural rights. 
18. Rule of Law – No one is above the law. 
19. Borrowed Features – Elements taken from various constitutions worldwide.
20. Three-Tier Government – Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies added via 73rd & 74th Amendments.

Nature of the Indian Constitution

Debate on Federal vs. Unitary Nature

Federal Features

1. Supremacy of the Constitution – Both central and state governments derive power from it.
2. Written Constitution – Clearly defines powers and structures.
3. Division of Powers – Union List, State List, Concurrent List.
4. Independent Judiciary – Ensures constitutional supremacy.
5. Rigid Amendment Process – Some provisions require special procedures.

Unitary Features

1. Strong Centre – Residual powers lie with the Centre.
2. Single Citizenship – Unlike federal states like the USA.
3. Governor's Role – Appointed by the Centre, acts as its representative.
4. Emergency Provisions – Constitution becomes unitary during emergencies.
5. Integrated Judiciary – One unified judicial system for both Centre and States.

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution is "Quasi-Federal" (K.C. Wheare), blending federal and unitary features.

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