What was the primary objective of the First Amendment Act, 1951, and what were its key provisions?
The 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution is possibly the most disputed. This is why: Passed during Emergency: Seen as an effort to concentrate power in the ruling party's grasp, it was legislated in 1976 throughout the Emergency period declared by Indira Gandhi. Restricted in legal powers: theRead more
The 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution is possibly the most disputed.
This is why:
Passed during Emergency: Seen as an effort to concentrate power in the ruling party’s grasp, it was legislated in 1976 throughout the Emergency period declared by Indira Gandhi.
Restricted in legal powers: the amendment severely limited the powers of the judiciary—particularly those of the Supreme Court—not to review and thus invalidate the laws passed by Parliament.
Having vested power in the center changed the balance of power from that of the states to the center, therefore weakening India’s federal system structure.
The amendment limited the range of the fundamental rights, especially regarding the right to property.
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The primary objective of the First Amendment Act, 1951, in India was to curtail certain fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. It aimed to amend Article 19 to impose restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peacefully, and freedom to form associations or uRead more
The primary objective of the First Amendment Act, 1951, in India was to curtail certain fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
It aimed to amend Article 19 to impose restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peacefully, and freedom to form associations or unions.
These amendments were primarily driven by concerns over national security and public order in the aftermath of Partition and the challenges of nation-building.
Key provisions of the First Amendment Act, 1951, included:
1. Imposition of Reasonable Restrictions: It added clauses to Article 19 that allowed the state to impose “reasonable restrictions” on freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peacefully, and freedom to form associations or unions in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India.
2. Land Reform Laws: The Act inserted Article 31A and Article 31B to validate land reform laws that sought to abolish intermediaries and redistribute land to the tillers.
3. Validation of Certain Acts: It validated certain laws that had been challenged on grounds of infringing fundamental rights, thereby securing legal backing for legislative measures deemed essential for governance and societal stability.