Salient features of constitution of India Introduction: the constitution of India was adopted on 26th nov 1949.

It came into force on 26th of January 1950. The various salient features of constitution of India are as follows1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Lengthiest written constitution of the world Parliamentary form of government Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity Fundamental rights Fundamental duties Directive principles of state policy Secular state Single citizenship Adult suffrage Preamble Independent and impartial tribunal Federation with strong centralising tendency

Lengthiest constitution of the world The constitution of India is a written constitution and lengthiest constitution of the world. The reason for the bulk of constitution are the India constitution not only explains the structure of the central government but also the state govt. The constitution of India has provided a long list of fundamental rights and fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy as well. The framers of the constitution have included all the provision to avoid any future defects of deficiency in Indian Constitution. Parliamentary form of Govt The constitution of India has provided for a parliamentary form of govt. according to few jurists parliamentary form of govt is better than the presidential form of govt. However some of the jurists believe presidential form of govt to be better. Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity The constitution of India is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility. Some of the provisions of the constitution can be amended easily and some proved to be of a rigid character. There are three methods to amend the constitution, and these are: 1. Simple majority 2. By special majority 3. By special majority along with ratification by half of the state legislature. Fundamental rights

The part III of the constitution of India has provided a long list of fundamental rights. There are six fundamental rights provided to the citizens of India. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. Right to equality (14-18) Right to freedom(19-22) Right against exploitation(23 & 24) Right of freedom of religion (25-28) Cultural and educational rights(29-30) Right to constitutional remedies(32-35)

The constitution of India has also provided six freedoms, they are as follows: a. b. c. d. e. f. Freedom of speech and expression Freedom of assembly Freedom of association Freedom of movement Freedom of residence Freedom of trade commerce and profession

Fundamental duties The 42nd Amendment Act inserted a new part IV(A) in the constitution of India. The new part consist of a single article 51(A). the new article 51A provides certain fundamental duties to the citizens of India. Directive principles of state policy Part IV of the Indian constitution deals with the DPSP. Article 36-51 of the constitution of India is found to deal with the DPSP. DPSPs are regarded as fundamental in the governance policy but are not enforceable in the court of Law. Secular State The 42nd Amendment Act 1976 inserted 3 new words in the preamble in the constitution. i.e., Secularism, socialism and integrity. The term secularism provides that every person shall have the right to practice and profess his own religion. Single citizenship The constitution of India has provided for single citizenship. That means no separate citizenship for the state. Adult Suffrage The constitution of India has provides the right to vote for every adult citizens. The age was reduced from 21 yrs to 18 yrs in 1988. Article 326 of the constitution of India guarantees to every citizen the right to vote. Independent and impartial tribunal

The courts in India are independent and impartial. The Supreme Court is regarded as the guardian of the Indian constitution. It is the final interpreter of the constitution. Federation with strong centralising tendency The Indian Constitution is of a federal nature. One of the essential features of a federal constitution is the division of powers between Central govt. and the state Govt. However in India, the central govt. is found to interfere with the state matters. Therefore the constitution of India can be considered to be a federal constitution with strong centralising tendency.