Examine the arguments for and against the amendatory power’s incorporation into the Constitution’s basic framework critically. Which sides of this argument are making, and how have the courts addressed this matter?
The 73rd and the 74th amendment acts were being implemented in the democratic nation and the fedaral structure of the nation were introduced in order to have a decentralized government so that the powers of the central government and the state government and to the local bodies even this came into eRead more
The 73rd and the 74th amendment acts were being implemented in the democratic nation and the fedaral structure of the nation were introduced in order to have a decentralized government so that the powers of the central government and the state government and to the local bodies even this came into effect on the 24th April 1993 and the 1st June 1993 respectively .
73rd amendment act :
This is applicable in the rural areas the PANCHAHAYTI RAJ SYSTEM wherein the state government was under the constitutional obligation . This was adopted in the 11th schedule of the Indian constitution . The members of the panchayat are elected directly by the people and the head of the panchayat is known as the sarpanch . Seats are also reserved for the SC and ST and for the chairpersons of the panchayat at all levels of the panchayat along with one- third positions for women folk .
74th AMENDMENT ACT :
This is basically found in the urban areas adopted in the year 19192 constituted of the municipalities i.e. the Nagar panchayat , Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council herein the people are directly elected by he people in the municipal area divided into wards and ward wise the representatives are chosen. Herein as well SC and St seats are reserved and 1/3rd seats are reserved for the women
IMPLEMENTS OF AMENDMENTS :
This decentralization of power has led to the upliftment of the local communities their problems are been addressed right away from the rural to the urban level from villages, blocks, zilla, wards and so and so this also led to the development of the socities of the local community in terms of industrialization, education, health care women’s position . They get the resources to development and many more.
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The Debate around the Inclusion of the Amendatory Power within the Basic Structure of the Constitution The debate around the inclusion of the amendatory power under Article 368 within the basic structure of the Indian Constitution is a complex and long-standing one, with arguments on both sides. ArgRead more
The Debate around the Inclusion of the Amendatory Power within the Basic Structure of the Constitution
The debate around the inclusion of the amendatory power under Article 368 within the basic structure of the Indian Constitution is a complex and long-standing one, with arguments on both sides.
Arguments in Favor of Including the Amendatory Power within the Basic Structure:
Preserving the Fundamental Character of the Constitution: Proponents argue that the ability to amend the Constitution is a fundamental feature that shapes the character and identity of the Constitution. Excluding it from the basic structure could undermine the Constitution’s integrity and stability.
Preventing Arbitrary Amendments: Incorporating the amendatory power within the basic structure could prevent arbitrary or unchecked amendments that could undermine the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution.
Ensuring Meaningful Deliberation: Treating the amendatory power as part of the basic structure would require a higher threshold for constitutional changes, ensuring more meaningful deliberation and consensus-building.
Safeguarding the Constituent Power: The argument is that the constituent power, which is the ultimate source of the Constitution’s legitimacy, should not be restricted or diminished by excluding the amendatory power from the basic structure.
Arguments Against Including the Amendatory Power within the Basic Structure:
Flexibility and Adaptability: Opponents argue that excluding the amendatory power from the basic structure would allow for the Constitution to be more flexible and adaptable to changing societal and political needs.
Preventing Constitutional Ossification: Limiting the amendatory power could lead to the Constitution becoming ossified and unable to respond to evolving circumstances, undermining its relevance and legitimacy.
Respecting the Will of the People: There is an argument that the people, through their elected representatives, should have the power to amend the Constitution, and that this power should not be unduly restricted.
Judicial Overreach: Concerns have been raised that including the amendatory power within the basic structure could be seen as judicial overreach, as it would place significant limitations on the Parliament’s constitutional amending power.
The Courts’ Approach to the Issue:
The Supreme Court of India has had a complex and evolving approach to the issue of the amendatory power and the basic structure doctrine.
In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Court held that the Parliament’s amending power under Article 368 was subject to the basic structure doctrine, meaning that certain core features of the Constitution could not be amended.
See lessHowever, the Court did not explicitly include the amendatory power itself within the basic structure.
In subsequent cases, such as the Minerva Mills case (1980) and the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992), the Court has further elaborated on the relationship between the amendatory power and the basic structure.
The Court has generally upheld the view that the basic structure doctrine applies to the exercise of the amendatory power, but it has not provided a definitive and comprehensive resolution to the debate.
The debate continues, with legal scholars and constitutional experts offering different perspectives on the appropriate balance between the need for constitutional flexibility and the preservation of the Constitution’s fundamental character and values.