The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a significant step in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Several factors led to its inception. The primary cause was widespread discontent with British colonial policies, particularly the oppressive Rowlatt Act oRead more
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a significant step in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Several factors led to its inception. The primary cause was widespread discontent with British colonial policies, particularly the oppressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, which allowed detention without trial, and the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians. Additionally, the economic hardships faced by Indians due to the exploitation of resources and the imposition of heavy taxes by the British further fueled the movement. The Khilafat issue, which sought to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, also played a crucial role in mobilizing Indian Muslims to join the cause, thus uniting Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against colonial rule. Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation included boycotting British goods, institutions, and honors, advocating for self-reliance and the revival of indigenous industries.
The significance of January 9th in Indian history stems from its designation as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day). This date marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, a pivotal event that heralded a new phase in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi’s return energized the Indian independence movement, as he brought with him the principles of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) that he had successfully employed in South Africa. This day is celebrated to recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of India and to acknowledge the role of expatriates in the country’s history and progress.
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The constitution replies on a model of structural, procedural and societal safeguarding so as to prevent comprehensible constitutional tampering that may render fundamental rights insecure and thus constitutional amendments do meet the requirements of the justice, equality, and human dignity. 1. EntRead more
The constitution replies on a model of structural, procedural and societal safeguarding so as to prevent comprehensible constitutional tampering that may render fundamental rights insecure and thus constitutional amendments do meet the requirements of the justice, equality, and human dignity.
1. Entrenchment Clauses: Some enlightenment to the above is that the constitution may contain provisions known as ‘eternity clauses’ that protect constitutions from alteration or repeal. For example, the basic law in Germany allows mostly justified prohibitions against changes to certain rights, tasks, and powers of the Federation and the Länder; against alterations in the principles of the division of powers between the Federation and the Länder; and against violation of human dignity.
2. Supermajority Requirements: Supermajority in the legislature means the decision enjoys the support of more than two thirds before changes are made. This rules out the possibility of a small majority to change basic rights at will.
3. Referendums: Assuming that some of the changes alter the basic rights of the citizens then those amendments must go to a referendum should pass through a test to enhance public acceptance.
4. Judicial Oversight: To be a guardian, the constitution court or supreme court may have the duty to look at the amendments proposed to the people in order to prevent the violation of the basic principles of the constitution.
5. Civic Engagement and Education: An educated and active populace is a good defense. Promoting constitutionalism helps citizens to develop the capacity to distinguish the violation of rights in order to prevent them.
6. Independent Institutions: Parliamentary and administrative ombudsmen, human rights commissions and independent free media can observe and prevent efforts that seek to erode those rights and hence enhance the constitution.
All these put together provide a strong basis for the defense of human rights from detractors on one aspect of liberal democracy.
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