26-06-2024 Mains Question Answer

Q. Highlight the role of the Constituent Assembly in giving a final shape to our Constitution.

26-06-2024

The Constituent Assembly of India was elected by the ‘Provincial Assembly’ to frame the Constitution of India. And, over the period of three years it completed the historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India. Its contributions included:

  1. Drafting the Constitution: The assembly was responsible for drafting the entire constitution, incorporating various ideas and principles from different sources. This involved extensive debates and discussions on fundamental rights, the structure of government, and the relationship between the state and its citizens. For example, Article 14 (Right to Equality) was a result of intense deliberations on how to ensure equal treatment for all citizens.
  2. Incorporating Diverse Perspectives: The assembly consisted of members from different regions, religions, and political ideologies. This diversity ensured that the constitution reflected the aspirations and concerns of a wide range of Indian society. The Assembly had 299 members: 229 members elected from 12 Indian Provinces and 70 members nominated from 29 Princely States. For example, Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and Propagation of Religion), which safeguards religious freedom for all.
  3. Debating and Refining: The assembly held numerous debates and discussions on various aspects of the constitution. These debates helped to refine the language and provisions of the constitution, ensuring its clarity and effectiveness.
  4. Adopting the Constitution: After nearly three years of deliberation, the assembly adopted the constitution on November 26, 1949. This marked the culmination of a long and arduous process of creating a document that would serve as the foundation for the governance of independent India.The Constitution was enforced on January 26, 1950. Article 395 (Repeals) was significant as it officially repealed the Indian Independence Act and marked the end of British rule.
  5. Balancing Interests: The assembly had to balance the interests of different groups and regions within India. This involved finding compromises on contentious issues such as language, religion, and the distribution of power. Article 343 (Official Language of the Union) is a result of such compromise, making Hindi in Devanagari script the official language of the Union while also allowing for the use of English for official purposes.
  6. Establishing Democratic Principles: The assembly played a crucial role in establishing the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution. These principles included: – Universal Adult Franchise (Article 326), Fundamental Rights (14-32), and an Independent Judiciary (Article 124).

Overall, the Constituent Assembly’s role in shaping the Indian Constitution was indispensable. Its members worked tirelessly to create a document that would reflect the values and aspirations of the Indian people and serve as a guide for the nation’s future. The constitution that emerged from this process is a testament to the vision and dedication of the Constituent Assembly.