Sign Up

Have an account?

Sign In

Don't have account,

Forgot Password

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.


Have an account?

Sorry, you do not have permission to ask a question, You must login to ask a question.

Need An Account,

Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.

Search
Ask A Question

Features of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is renowned for its comprehensive and progressive features. Key aspects include its federal structure, with a balance of power between the center and states, and a multi-party parliamentary system of governance.

The amendment process is rigorous, ensuring stability while allowing for necessary changes. Further, the Constitution mandates universal adult suffrage, guaranteeing the right to vote for all citizens.

Share
Followers
228 Answers
91 Questions
Home/Indian Constitution/Features of Indian Constitution/Page 2

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Aliya Sharma
  • 0
Aliya SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 1, 2024In:
  • 0

Since the Indian Constitution’s creation, it has been difficult to reconcile Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs). Discuss using the pertinent case law as a guide. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: features of indian constitution
  1. Sharqa Tabrez
    Sharqa Tabrez Begginer

    Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) lay down the framework for regulating the relationship between the citizen and the state. Fundamental Rights are the most basic rights which the Constitution guarantees to its people by making them justiciable, while DPSPs (whiRead more

    Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) lay down the framework for regulating the relationship between the citizen and the state. Fundamental Rights are the most basic rights which the Constitution guarantees to its people by making them justiciable, while DPSPs (which are non-justiciable) act as a guide for law and policy formulation by the government.

    The question of reconciling the two arises in the context of several amendments made by the Parliament to override the fundamental rights and the consequent judicial review by the Supreme Court.

    • The Supreme Court, in the Champakam Dorairajan case (1951),held that Fundamental Rights would prevail over the DPSPs in case a conflict arises between the two. However, the Fundamental Rights are amendable.
      • The Parliament enacted the First, Fourth and the Seventeenth Constitutional Amendment Acts in order to implement some DPSPs which curtailed the Fundamental Rights.
    • These amendments were challenged in the IC Golaknath case (1967). The Supreme Court, partly overruling its decision in Champakam Dorairajan, held that Fundamental Rights are ‘transcendental’ and ‘sacrosanct’. They cannot be amended to implement DPSPs even by way of a constitutional amendment act as it would violate Article 13 (which provides that no law shall be made in contravention of the Fundamental Rights mentioned under Part III of the Constitution).
      • In order to circumvent the IC Golaknath decision, the Parliament enacted that 24th and the 25th Constitutional Amendment Acts.
    • The question was finally settled by the thirteen judge bench of the Supreme Court in the Keshwananda Bharti v State of Kerela case (1973). The Court held that both Fundamental Rights and DPSPs reflect the conscience of the Constitution. There is no antithesis between them and one supplements the other.
    • This position was reiterated by the Supreme Court in the Ashok Kumar Thakur case (2008) wherein it was held that there is no distinction between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs. While Fundamental Rights are political and civil rights, DPSPs are social and economic rights. None is subordinate to the other.

    Therefore, the present position in law is that both, Fundamental Rights and DPSPs, must be harmoniously construed. No question arises about one prevailing over the other.

    See less
Prateek
  • 0
PrateekLearner
Asked: June 5, 2024In:
  • 0

Although the Constitution of India incorporates elements from the constitutions of multiple other nations, it still stands out as a distinctive document. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: features of indian constitution
  1. [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]

    As we all are aware of the fact that before the making of the Indian Constitution there were a lot of details that was taken care. The makers wanted to get the best constitution for the people as per the country’s standard. So, a bits and pieces were collectively used of various countries for the InRead more

    As we all are aware of the fact that before the making of the Indian Constitution there were a lot of details that was taken care. The makers wanted to get the best constitution for the people as per the country’s standard. So, a bits and pieces were collectively used of various countries for the Indian Constitution.
    For your reference, under the Government of India Act 1935, the provisions that were borrowed from the countries were the Britain, United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, France, South Africa, the USSR, Japan, and many more.
    The making of the Indian Constitution didn’t happen overnight, the Drafting committee where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar the chairman and other took approximately 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to the precise.
    Talking about the committee the member not just took the provisions from the other countries but gave keen and precise detailing weather the laws they were going to incorporate will be suitable for the people of India or not.
    The alignment for the country was based on the country’s diversity.

    The constitutional power relied only upon one supreme law and making sure to be a unified state.

    The social and economic goals decides a lot about a country. Therefore, the makers have special added a chapter on it to create a smooth path for the people.
    India is a diverse country with various religions and communities. So, to have a liberal mindset among the people, secularism has been implemented where everyone is equal.

    Amendments are used to make any change or difference. It allows people to feel secured in their needs.

    See less
Alvin Joe
  • 0
Alvin JoeBegginer
Asked: July 12, 2024In: ,
  • 0

Illustrate features of the 52nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution. Discuss its advantages and drawbacks.

constitutionfeatures of indian constitutionquestion
  1. Manisha Kumari
    Manisha Kumari Learner

    The 52nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution was enacted in 1985. It primarily addressed issues related to the Anti-Defection Law, which sought to curb political defections by elected members from one political party to another. Provisions of the Amendment: It laid down conditions for disqualificatRead more

    The 52nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution was enacted in 1985. It primarily addressed issues related to the Anti-Defection Law, which sought to curb political defections by elected members from one political party to another.

    1. Provisions of the Amendment:
      • It laid down conditions for disqualification of members on grounds of defection.
      • Members defecting from their party without resigning from their elected positions would face disqualification.
      • The Speaker or Chairman of the House was empowered to decide on disqualification petitions.
    2. Reasons for Introduction:
      • Political Stability: The frequent defections were seen as destabilizing for governments, leading to instability and uncertainty in governance.
      • Democratic Values: Defections were considered contrary to democratic principles as they undermined the voters’ mandate and party discipline.
      • Ensuring Accountability: By discouraging defections, the amendment aimed to promote accountability among elected representatives towards their political party and electorate.
    3. Impact: The 52nd Amendment significantly altered the political landscape in India by reducing the incidence of floor-crossing and enhancing party discipline. It made defections less attractive by imposing penalties in the form of disqualification from office.

    Overall, the 52nd Amendment was introduced to strengthen the democratic fabric of India by curbing defections and promoting stable governance. It remains an important constitutional amendment that continues to influence political dynamics in the country.

    See less
Aqsa Khan
  • 0
Aqsa KhanBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 0

  1. Yamini
    Yamini Begginer

    The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, often referred to as the "mini-Constitution," significantly altered the Indian Constitution. It was enacted during the Emergency period (1975-1977) and introduced extensive changes that impacted the balance of power between the central and state governments. One of thRead more

    The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, often referred to as the “mini-Constitution,” significantly altered the Indian Constitution. It was enacted during the Emergency period (1975-1977) and introduced extensive changes that impacted the balance of power between the central and state governments.

    One of the most critical changes was the shift towards centralization. The amendment curtailed the powers of the states, enhancing the authority of the central government. It did so by transferring five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, including education, forests, and the administration of justice. This allowed the central government to legislate on these matters, thereby diminishing state autonomy.

    Furthermore, the amendment reinforced the central government’s control over state governments by empowering the President to declare a national emergency on the grounds of “internal disturbance,” a term that was later replaced with “armed rebellion” by the 44th Amendment in 1978. This provision increased the central government’s ability to impose its will on states during emergencies.

    Additionally, the amendment introduced changes that curtailed the judiciary’s power to review and invalidate laws passed by Parliament, thereby reducing judicial checks on central legislative authority.

    Overall, the 42nd Amendment Act tilted the federal balance significantly in favor of the central government, eroding the federal structure envisaged by the original Constitution.

    See less
Sreyoshi Roy Chowdhury
  • 0
Sreyoshi Roy ChowdhuryBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In:
  • 0

  1. Pragati Agrawal
    Pragati Agrawal Begginer

    Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is a gamut of rights as discovered by the Indian Judiciary over time. Known as the “heart or bedrock” of our Indian Constitution, Article 21 holds a great level of importance as it unfolds. Described as “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal libertRead more

    Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is a gamut of rights as discovered by the Indian Judiciary over time. Known as the “heart or bedrock” of our Indian Constitution, Article 21 holds a great level of importance as it unfolds. Described as “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law” this article is widely interpreted by the judiciary to make a protective blanket for every person against all the odds of society.

    Starting from the A.K. Gopalan Case 1950, which identifies personal liberty as merely “bodily” freedom, to the landmark Maneka Gandhi Case, which makes the right to live with dignity inclusive of A21. It stated that the P.E.B.L. must be fair and not arbitrary.

    In The Olga Tellis v.s. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1986), the court included the Right to Livelihood under the ambit of A21, protecting pavement dwellers from eviction without alternative accommodation.

    Making Right to Privacy a part of A21, through Justice R.S. Puttaswamy v.s. U.O.I 2017, the S.C. expanded the purview of A21. In the series of expansions, the Right To Education was entitled as an F.R. under A21(a) by the 86th C.A.A. through the landmark judgment in Miss Mohini Jain v.s. State Of Karnataka (1992). 

    This series of interpretations is a never-ending process, guaranteeing every person a just and dignified life.

    See less
Sunila S Nair
  • 0
Sunila S NairBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In:
  • 0

Briefly explain the salient features of Indian Constitution.

  1. Thrisha Pradeep
    Thrisha Pradeep Begginer

    The constitution of  India was framed by the Constituent assembly set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. The Constituent Assembly set up 13 committees for framing the constitution. On the basis of the reports of these committees, a draft of the constitution was prepared by seven member commiRead more

    The constitution of  India was framed by the Constituent assembly set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. The Constituent Assembly set up 13 committees for framing the constitution. On the basis of the reports of these committees, a draft of the constitution was prepared by seven member committee under the chairmanship of Dr B.R Ambedkar.

    Salient features of Indian Constitution;

    1)The bulkiest constitution of the world- consists  of 444 articles divided into 25 parts and 12 schedules.

    2) Rigid and flexible -while some provisions of the constitution can be amended by the parliament by a simple majority,others require a two-third majority of the members of the parliament as well as majority in the state legislature.

    3) Parliamentary system of Government – at both the centre and states. In the system, prime minister and his council of  ministers are responsible for all their actions to the government.

    4) Bicameral legislature – at centre consisting of Lok Sabha and Raj Sabha.

    5)Federal system with unitary base- the Indian federal structure acquires a military character during an emergency, where the normal distribution of powers between the center and states undergoes vital changes.

    6) Fundamental rights and duties- Indian Constitution contains an elaborate list of fundamental rights and duties. Part 3 of the constitution establishes fundamental rights (article 12-35). Fundamental duties were not included in the original Constitution,these duties were added to the constitution by 42nd Amendment in 1976 and 86th Amendment in 2002.

    7) Directive Principles of state policy- these principles seek to provide a social and economic basis for democracy and establishment of the welfare state.

    8) Secular state -means that there is no state religion and state is completely detached from religious dogmas.

    9) Independent Judiciary – the constitutions provides an independent judiciary which ensures that government is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

    10) Universal Adult Franchise – right to vote all citizens above 18 years of age without discrimination.

    11) Emergency powers- constitution vest extra ordinary powers in the President during emergencies arising out of armes rebellion or external aggression, emergency due to breakdown of constitutional machinery in state and financial emergency where credit of the country is threatened.

    12) Single Citizenship – whoever obtains the Citizenship rights of another nation instantly loses their Indian citizenship.

     

    See less
Ananya Patel
  • 0
Ananya Patel
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
  • 0

Examine the constitutional dispute settlement procedures between the states and the Union or between the states themselves. Talk about the Supreme Court’s involvement in resolving these disputes.

upsc: features of indian constitution
  1. anjali rawat
    anjali rawat Begginer

    India has a federal system and hence it becomes important for union and state to work cooperatively. therefore, some constitutional mechanisms are  made to keep the relationship frictionless. article 245 to 293 specify the legislative , administrative and financial relations to avoid any overlappingRead more

    India has a federal system and hence it becomes important for union and state to work cooperatively. therefore, some constitutional mechanisms are  made to keep the relationship frictionless. article 245 to 293 specify the legislative , administrative and financial relations to avoid any overlapping of power. the  disputes are constitutionally solved through – inter state council under article 263 which inquires , investigate and make recommendations on the disputes between state and union or inter state, original jurisdiction of supreme court under article 131,  zonal council  and article 136 which allows the state government to move to courts for challenging the judgments of the tribunals specially in case of water disputes.

    supreme court under article 131 exercises its original jurisdiction to solve disputes directly. The dispute may be related to a law and legal rights. However the jurisdiction of supreme court can be excluded by a treaty or agreement.

    the court has exercised this power  in cases like West Bengal vs Gov of India 2017 etc.  The court can check the validity of law in terms of basic structure, violation of rights and excess of legislative competence. In doing so, court has made federal fabric of the constitution more strong.

    See less

Thrisha Pradeep
  • 1
Thrisha PradeepBegginer
Asked: July 12, 2024In:
  • 1

question
  1. Manisha Kumari
    Manisha Kumari Learner
    This answer was edited.

    The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is one of the most comprehensive and lengthy constitutions in the world. Here are some of its key features: Lengthy and Detailed: The Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions of any sovereign country, containing 395 articleRead more

    The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, is one of the most comprehensive and lengthy constitutions in the world. Here are some of its key features:

    1. Lengthy and Detailed: The Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions of any sovereign country, containing 395 articles and 12 schedules.
    2. Federal System with Unitary Bias: India follows a federal system where power is divided between the central government and the states. However, during emergencies, the Constitution provides for a unitary form of government.
    3. Parliamentary Democracy: India has a parliamentary form of government where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Parliament.
    4. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights to its citizens, including right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies (Article 12 to 35).
    5. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to establish a just society in which the welfare of the people is the primary concern. Though not enforceable by courts, they are fundamental in the governance of the country (Article 36 to 51).
    6. Independent Judiciary: The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court. It ensures the protection of fundamental rights and acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
    7. Universal Adult Franchise: One of the most notable features is the provision of universal adult suffrage, giving every adult citizen the right to vote without any discrimination.
    8. Secularism: India is a secular state, ensuring equal treatment of all religions by the state. The Constitution mandates a separation of religion from the state.
    See less
Prateek
  • 0
PrateekLearner
Asked: June 5, 2024In:
  • 0

What does the term “rule of law” mean to you? Describe how the Indian Constitution embodies this concept. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: features of indian constitution
  1. Debdatta Das
    Debdatta Das Begginer

    The rule of law basically means that everyone is subject to law including the government of any country and India to be precise . It is one of the  fundamental principle of  constitution of India . The emphasizes on the factors like equality before law wherein everyone including the government and tRead more

    The rule of law basically means that everyone is subject to law including the government of any country and India to be precise . It is one of the  fundamental principle of  constitution of India . The emphasizes on the factors like equality before law wherein everyone including the government and the law makers should be equal in before law , protection of individual rights wherein every individual should be equally treated before the law . Accountability of the government and the private sectors before law . The constitution of India has documented certain articles upholding the RULE OF LAW they are Article 13 and 14 which defines the doctrine pf law and guarantees of equality before law and equal protection of law . The preamble of constitution of India is also upholds it .

    See less
Panna Lal
  • 0
Panna LalBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

In the Kesavananda Bharati case, the struggle between the legislative and the judiciary resulted in the “fundamental structure” theory. Talk about it. What impact does the case have on Parliament’s ability to modify the Constitution? (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: features of indian constitution
  1. Kunal Shinde
    Kunal Shinde Begginer

    All democratic countries are governed by a Constitution. In the 1967 Golaknath case, India's Supreme Court ruled that Parliament couldn't amend fundamental rights. Adolf Hitler's transformation of Germany's Weimar Constitution from democratic to dictatorial is a notable example of altering a constitRead more

    All democratic countries are governed by a Constitution. In the 1967 Golaknath case, India’s Supreme Court ruled that Parliament couldn’t amend fundamental rights. Adolf Hitler’s transformation of Germany’s Weimar Constitution from democratic to dictatorial is a notable example of altering a constitution.

     

    In 1972, the Keshavananda Bharati case settled the debate on Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. Keshavananda Bharati, chief priest at Sri Edneer Mutt in Kerala, challenged the Kerala Land Reforms Act of 1963, claiming it violated Article 26 on religious freedom. This case allowed the Supreme Court to define Parliament’s amendment authority.

     

    The Court’s ruling affirmed the Constitution’s supremacy and established the “basic structure doctrine,” which prevents amendments that alter the fundamental framework of the Constitution. This doctrine was later applied in the Minerva Mills and Waman Rao cases. The 24th and 25th Amendments of 1971 aimed to nullify the Golaknath judgment.

     

    The Keshavananda Bharati case, concluded in March 1973 by a 13-judge bench, resulted in a 7:6 decision, with Justice H.R. Khanna as the tiebreaker. Although Bharati lost, the basic structure doctrine was established. Justice A.N. Ray, who dissented, later became Chief Justice of India.

     

    The Keshavananda Bharati case was crucial in shaping Indian constitutional law, ensuring protection against potential authoritarianism.

    See less
Load More Questions

Resources & Suggestions

Mains Answer Writing Latest Articles

On: March 10, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (10 March 2025)

The National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030 aims to develop a ‘future ready’ railway system by 2030. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) भारत के लिए राष्ट्रीय रेल योजना (NRP)- 2030 का लक्ष्य वर्ष 2030 तक ‘भविष्य के लिए ...

On: March 8, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (8 March 2025)

Examine the key issues that obstruct the development of port infrastructure in India and outline the recent measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 200 words) भारत में बंदरगाह अवसंरचना के विकास में आने वाली विभिन्न ...

On: March 7, 2025 Comments: 0

मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष का प्रबंधन

प्रधानमंत्री की घोषणा: मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष प्रबंधन के लिए एक समर्पित केंद्र की स्थापना। चुनौतियाँ: जनसंख्या वृद्धि और संसाधनों की प्रतिस्पर्धा। वन्यजीव संरक्षण का महत्व पारिस्थितिक संतुलन और जलवायु अनुकूलन: वन्यजीव पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को बनाए रखने और जलवायु पैटर्न को विनियमित ...

Explore Our Blog