Constitution Day: Key Events and Landmark Judgments Timeline

Bassyonni

ago 19 minutes

Constitution Day: Key Events and Landmark Judgments Timeline

November 26 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This date is significant for every citizen of India, as it emphasizes the importance of constitutional values within the nation. Originally known as National Law Day, the day was transformed into Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) in 2015. This change coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who played a vital role in drafting the Constitution.

Historical Background of the Constitution

The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, after a meticulous drafting process. The Constituent Assembly took nearly three years to complete this monumental task, involving 114 days of discussion and more than 7,600 proposed amendments. Ultimately, 2,400 amendments were accepted.

Key Events Leading to Adoption

1934: Manabendra Nath Roy suggested forming a Constituent Assembly.
1935: The Indian National Congress included this idea in its formal demands.
1946: The Constituent Assembly was established under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
December 9, 1946: The first session of the Assembly convened with 207 members.
August 29, 1947: Formation of the Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. Ambedkar.
November 4, 1948: Presentation of the first Draft Constitution by B.R. Ambedkar.
January 24, 1950: Signing of the final version by Assembly members.
January 26, 1950: The Constitution came into effect, marking Republic Day.

Constitutional Structure and Amendments

The Indian Constitution currently consists of 395 Articles arranged into 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. It has evolved through various amendments, with some significant ones including:

42nd Amendment (1976): Introduced terms like ‘socialist’, ‘secular’, and ‘integrity’ into the Preamble.
44th Amendment (1978): Modified emergency provisions and adjusted the status of the Right to Property.
61st Amendment (1989): Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 to engage younger voters.
86th Amendment (2002): Established the Right to Education as a fundamental duty.
101st Amendment (2016): Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Throughout its history, the Indian Constitution has been shaped by several landmark judicial rulings. Key cases include:

Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): Limited Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established the ‘basic structure’ doctrine to protect constitutional integrity.
Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975): Upheld free elections by striking down unjust amendments.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded the concept of personal liberty under Article 21.
Right to Privacy Judgment (2017): Affirmed privacy as a fundamental right.

Conclusion

Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the adoption of India’s supreme law. While celebrating this milestone, it is essential to acknowledge ongoing challenges in society. The Constitution is not just a document; it is a living framework that adapts while preserving vital values that unify the nation.