INDIAN POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

Constitution: Constitution is the foundational law of a country which ordains the fundamental principles on which the government (or the governance) of that country is based. It lays down the framework and principal functions of various organs of the government as well as the modalities of interaction between the government and its citizens. With the exception of the United Kingdom (U.K), almost all democratic countries possess a written constitution. India also possesses an elaborate written constitution which was enacted by a constituent assembly specifically set up for the purpose.

Our Constitution: Our present constitution – the first Constitution of India framed and given to themselves by the people of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November, 1949. It came into full operation with effect from 26 January, 1950. The Constitution as originally adopted had 22 parts, 395 articles and 8 schedules. Its present text is as amended from time to time.

       Evolution of Indian Constitution

                Although the systems of ancient India do have their reflections in the Constitution of India, the direct sources of the Constitution lie in the administrative and legislative developments of the British period. A concise and chronological description of the Acts, documents and events that culminated in the framing of the world’s largest written Constitution is given here.

Administrative & Legislative Reforms Before 1857

Regulating Act of 1773

Ø This Act was based on the report of a committee headed by the British Prime Minister Lord North.

Ø  Governance of the East India Company was put under British parliamentary control.

Ø  The Governor of Bengal was nominated as Governor General for all the three Presidencies of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. Warren Hastings was the first such Governor General.

Ø  A Supreme Court was empowered to make rules, regulations and ordinances with the consent of the Supreme Court.

Pitts India Act of 1784

Ø  It was enacted to improve upon the provisions of Regulating Act of 1773 to bring about better discipline in the Company’s system of administration.

Ø  A 6- member Board of Controllers was set up which was headed by a minister of the British of Controllers was set up which was headed by a minister of the British Government. All political responsibilities were given to this board.

Ø  Trade and commerce related issues were under the purview of the Court of Directors of the company.

Ø  Provinces had to follow the instructions of the Central Government and Governor General was empowered to dismiss the failing provincial government.