The Significance of Constitution Day and the Evolution of the Indian Constitution

Understanding Constitution Day

Every year on November 26, India observes Constitution Day, commemorating the moment when the Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian Constitution in 1949. The year 2025 will mark the 76th anniversary of this pivotal event—an occasion that not only celebrates the foundation of India's democracy but also serves as a reminder of the citizens' commitment to constitutional values, rights, and duties.

Why November 26 Is Celebrated as Constitution Day

Prior to 2015, November 26 was recognized as National Law Day, honoring Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and India’s first Law Minister. In 2015, the Government of India officially designated this date as ‘Constitution Day’ (Samvidhan Divas) to promote greater awareness of the Constitution among citizens. This declaration coincided with Dr. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary, paying tribute to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

The Adoption of the Constitution: A Historic Journey

The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect two months later on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. The drafting process was extensive and inclusive:

• The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution.
• The draft was discussed for 114 days.
• Over 7,600 amendments were considered, with 2,400 being accepted.
• 207 members participated in the process, including 9 pioneering women.

Timeline of Key Events Leading to the Adoption of the Constitution

Here are some significant milestones:

• 1934: M.N. Roy proposes the idea of a Constituent Assembly.
• 1946: Constituent Assembly formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
• December 9, 1946: First meeting with 207 members.
• January 22, 1947: Adoption of the Objectives Resolution, which later became the basis of the Preamble.
• August 29, 1947: Drafting Committee formed under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• November 4, 1948: First Draft presented.
• November 26, 1949: Constitution adopted.
• January 26, 1950: Constitution comes into force—India becomes a Republic.

The Structure of the Constitution Today

The Indian Constitution currently comprises:

• 395 Articles
• 25 Parts
• 12 Schedules

These elements have evolved through numerous Constitutional Amendments, many of which have significantly influenced the governance of the country.

Major Constitutional Amendments

Some of the most notable amendments include:

• Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976: Known as the “Mini Constitution,” this amendment introduced terms such as “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” in the Preamble.
• Forty-Fourth Amendment Act, 1978: This amendment corrected the excesses of the 42nd Amendment, safeguarding Article 368 from misuse.
• Sixty-First Amendment Act, 1989: Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, empowering India’s youth.
• Eighty-Sixth Amendment Act, 2002: Introduced Article 21A—Right to Education, mandating free education for ages 6–14.
• One Hundred and First Amendment Act, 2016: Introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax), a major reform in India's tax structure.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments Shaping the Constitution

Over the decades, the Supreme Court has delivered landmark rulings that have strengthened constitutional democracy. Notable judgments include:

• Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): Limited Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
• Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975): Reinforced free and fair elections as part of the basic structure.
• Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded the scope of Article 21.
• Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980): Reaffirmed that Parliament cannot damage the basic structure.
• Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985): Recognized Right to Livelihood as part of Right to Life.
• S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): Placed limitations on President’s Rule.
• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): Declared Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right.
• NCT Delhi v. Union of India (2018): Defined powers