The Constitution of India, adopted on 26th January 1950, is the supreme law of the country. It is a comprehensive document that lays the foundation for the country's political structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out the fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens. Here are some of its salient features:
1. Lengthiest Written Constitution: With its detailed provisions, the Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
2. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic: The Preamble asserts that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. This emphasizes the independent nature of the country, commitment to social justice, respect for all religions, and a system of government chosen by its people.
3. Parliamentary System: Drawing inspiration from the British Constitution, India has a parliamentary system where the executive is responsible to the legislature. There is a bicameral parliamentary system consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
4. Federal with a Unitary Bias: While the Constitution establishes a federal structure with a clear division of powers between the Union and the States, it also has strong unitary features, especially during times of emergency.
5. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees certain rights to all its citizens, categorized as the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
6. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are non-enforceable directives given to the government at all levels to implement for establishing a social and economic democracy.
7. Fundamental Duties: Introduced by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, these are a set of obligations for the citizens, although they are non-justiciable.
8. Secular State: The Indian Constitution establishes the country as a secular state where there is no state religion, and all religions are respected and treated equally.
9. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its helm, is empowered to review the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, ensuring the protection of citizens' rights.
10. Provision for Emergency: The Constitution provides for three types of emergencies (national, state, and financial) and details the powers of the Center during such times.
11. Scheduled and Tribal Areas Provisions: Special provisions exist for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes, recognizing the unique needs of these communities.
12. Amendment of the Constitution: While the Constitution is a relatively rigid document, there is a provision for its amendment to adapt to changing needs. Some parts can be amended by a simple majority, while others require a two-thirds majority in the Parliament and ratification by the states.
13. Secularism: The Indian Constitution ensures freedom and protection for all religions and emphasizes that the state will not have its own religion or favor any religion.
14. Integrated and Independent Judiciary: The Indian Constitution establishes a single, integrated judiciary that is independent of the other branches of government.
15. Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen of India, who is 18 years of age and above and not otherwise debarred by law, is entitled to vote. This emphasizes the democratic spirit of the Constitution.
The salient features of the Indian Constitution reflect the country's unique history, culture, and socio-political context, as well as the influences from other constitutions and the vision of the Constituent Assembly.
