Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity
The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of the land and provides the framework for governance and the rights of citizens.
Over the years, the Constitution has been amended several times to reflect the changing needs of the country.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-These
amendments have addressed a wide range of issues, from fundamental rights and
the structure of government to social and economic policies. In this essay, we
will explore some key constitutional amendments in Indian polity.
1. First Amendment (1951): The First Amendment to the Indian Constitution was primarily enacted to overcome the adverse effects of judicial pronouncements that had struck down certain land reform laws.
Also Read-
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-This amendment introduced reasonable restrictions on the right to
freedom of speech and expression and allowed the government to impose
restrictions on the grounds of public order, decency, morality, etc.
2. Seventh Amendment (1956): The Seventh
Amendment brought about significant changes to the structure and boundaries of
states in India. It facilitated the reorganization of states on linguistic
lines and led to the creation of states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and
Karnataka. This amendment aimed to address linguistic and regional aspirations,
promoting a more balanced and representative system of governance.
3. Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1971):
The Twenty-Fourth Amendment introduced changes related to the election of
the President and the Vice President of India. It amended the Constitution to
ensure that the President and the Vice President could not be challenged or
questioned in any court of law during their tenure. This amendment sought to
protect the dignity and independence of the high offices of the President and
the Vice President.
4. Forty-Second Amendment (1976): The Forty-Second Amendment was introduced during the period of the Emergency in India and was widely criticized for its provisions that curtailed fundamental rights.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-It expanded the power of the government and restricted
judicial review. However, many of its controversial provisions were
subsequently amended or struck down by subsequent amendments and judicial
pronouncements.
5. Forty-Fourth Amendment (1978): The Forty-Fourth Amendment was introduced to rectify some of the controversial provisions of the Forty-Second Amendment.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-It restored some of the
original checks and balances of the Constitution and reasserted the supremacy
of the judiciary. This amendment aimed to restore faith in the democratic
principles enshrined in the Constitution.
6. Fifty-Second Amendment (1985): The Fifty-Second Amendment sought to address the issue of anti-defection in the Indian political system.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-It introduced provisions that disqualified
elected members of Parliament and state legislatures if they defected from
their political party. This amendment aimed to promote stability and discourage
political opportunism.
7. Seventy-Third Amendment (1992):
The Seventy-Third Amendment, also known as the Panchayati Raj Amendment,
brought about significant changes in the structure and functioning of the local
self-government institutions in rural areas. It granted constitutional status
to the Panchayati Raj institutions, empowering them with functions and powers
to govern at the grassroots level. This amendment aimed to strengthen democracy
at the local level and promote grassroots participation.
8. Eighty-Sixth Amendment (2002):
The Eighty-Sixth Amendment added Article 21-A to the Constitution, which
made free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 a fundamental
right. This amendment aimed to ensure universal access to education and address
the issue of illiteracy in the country.
9. Ninety-Sixth Amendment (2011): The
Ninety-Sixth Amendment introduced changes to the Constitution to provide for
reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha
and the State Legislative Assemblies. It extended the reservation for these
marginalized sections of society for another ten years, aiming to provide them
with better political representation.
Conclusion
The constitutional amendments in
Indian polity have played a crucial role in shaping the governance and
addressing the evolving needs of the country. These amendments have covered a
wide range of issues, including fundamental rights, structure of government,
social policies, and political representation. They have aimed to promote
democracy, protect the rights of citizens, and foster inclusive development.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-The amendments have addressed
concerns such as land reform, linguistic and regional aspirations, electoral
processes, anti-defection, local self-government, and education. Some
amendments have been controversial, particularly during the Emergency period,
but subsequent amendments and judicial interventions have rectified some of the
contentious provisions.
The constitutional amendments have
reflected the commitment of India's political system to adapt and evolve with
the changing times. They have provided a mechanism to respond to the
aspirations and challenges faced by the country, ensuring that the Constitution
remains a living document.
Key constitutional amendments in Indian polity-However, it is important to note
that while constitutional amendments are essential for progress, they must be
approached with caution and a focus on upholding the principles of justice,
equality, and democracy. The process of amending the Constitution should be
transparent, participatory, and guided by the collective will of the people.
Overall, the constitutional
amendments in Indian polity have been instrumental in strengthening the
democratic fabric of the nation and promoting social and economic progress.
They reflect the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and just society,
where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are protected and advanced.
FAQ.
Q1: How many constitutional amendments have been made in India
so far?
Ans. As of my knowledge cutoff in
September 2021, there have been 105 constitutional amendments made in India.
Q2: Which is the most controversial constitutional amendment in
Indian history?
Ans. The most controversial
constitutional amendment in Indian history is widely considered to be the
Forty-Second Amendment, which was introduced during the period of the Emergency
in 1976. It was criticized for its provisions that curtailed fundamental rights
and expanded the power of the government. However, subsequent amendments and
judicial interventions have rectified some of its controversial provisions.
Q3: How do constitutional amendments in India come into effect?
Ans. In India, constitutional
amendments are proposed as bills in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha
(the two houses of the Parliament). For an amendment to be passed, it must be
approved by a special majority, which means it must be supported by a majority
of the total membership of each house and by a two-thirds majority of the
members present and voting. After being passed by both houses, the amendment
bill must be ratified by at least 50% of the state legislatures before it can
come into effect.
Q4: Can the Supreme Court strike down a constitutional
amendment in India?
Ans. Yes, the Supreme Court of
India has the power of judicial review and can strike down a constitutional
amendment if it violates the basic structure or the core principles of the Constitution.
This power was established by the landmark judgment in the Kesavananda Bharati
case (1973), which held that Parliament's power to amend the Constitution is
not unlimited and cannot alter its basic structure.
Q5: Are there any pending constitutional amendments in India?
Ans. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I do not have information on specific pending constitutional amendments. The status of amendments may change over time, and it is advisable to refer to the latest official sources or news updates to obtain accurate information on any pending or proposed constitutional amendments in India.
0 comments:
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.