Introduction

The Indian Constitution has found widespread admiration as the most detailed legal instrument in the world. Adopted on 26th January, 1950, it was ratified as the foundation of India’s federal democratic system. As compared to all other constitutions that are concise and general in nature, the Indian Constitution is specific, flexible, and dynamic. It was framed after prolonged deliberations, drawing instances from several world constitutions but making only allusions to India’s singular social, political, and economic context. Its uniqueness in aspects such as length, detail, and elasticity renders it superior to the constitutions of the world. It is imperative that everyone who desires to learn the working of Indian democracy and the jurisprudence under which these elements prevail, it is important that they comprehend these. 

The Constitution makers were conscious of the fact that it would be challenging to administer a multicultural state with multilingual tongues, religions, and customs. Hence, they made the Constitution elaborate enough to address a lot of facets but with the ability to keep up with evolving times. Here, in this article, we will discuss why the Indian Constitution is so long, why it has complex provisions, and how it is flexible as well as the ultimate law of the land.

Length of the Indian Constitution

Indian Constitution is the world’s longest written constitution. When adopted in 1950, it contained 395 Articles divided into 22 Parts and 8 Schedules. With amendments made from time to time, its provisions have been augmented, and presently, it contains over 470 Articles divided into 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. Its unprecedented lengthiness often becomes a point of contention amongst legal scholars, and this feature is the result of thoughtful planning by the Constituent Assembly.

The framers provided specific provisions since India is a federal union of states but with a unitary bias. Unlike the United States situation where there are broad guidelines and all else is left to state legislations, the Indian Constitution had federal- as well as state-level problems to solve. It enacts the laws of the Union government and the states with great detail and encompasses subjects like the division of powers, emergency provisions, fundamental rights, directive principles, and even organization of local government.

The second reason why it is so lengthy is the inclusion of provision for having matters, in other nations, attended to by common law. The Indian Constitution, for instance, has elaborate provisions on citizenship, elections, official languages, the judiciary, and Union and state services. This was needed because India lacked a robust legal framework at independence, and the makers wished to leave a solid foundation for government working.

Detail and Comprehensiveness

One more remarkable aspect of the Indian Constitution is its detail and comprehensiveness. Besides deciding the organization of the government, it even prescribes the powers and roles of each organ of the state. For example, it defines the qualifications of the President and Members of Parliament, Supreme Court and High Court jurisdiction, and the role of civil servants.

It also contains a lengthy list of Fundamental Rights, which are a protection of individual liberty. They are Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, and Right against Exploitation, etc. Likewise, it includes Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guide to the state to make welfare policies for economic and social justice.

Moreover, the Indian Constitution has provisions for emergencies that provide powers to the central government to exert additional authority in periods of crisis. This detail was incorporated to prevent vagueness and promote transparency in administration since India was a fresh nation with numerous problems, such as political instability, communal riots, and socio-economic inequalities.

Flexibility of the Indian Constitution

Even though the Indian Constitution is in a way rigid, it is also very flexible, and hence it adapts to new situations. The drafters knew that a nascent democracy like India would encounter new issues, and therefore left space for change under Article 368. The Indian Constitution, unlike the very rigid United States Constitution, may be altered by a simple or special majority in Parliament, depending on the change.

This flexibility is evident in the fact that the Constitution has been amended over 100 times since its adoption. Significant amendments like the 42nd Amendment (1976) which brought far-reaching changes in the Emergency period, and the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) which brought Panchayati Raj and local government to cities, illustrate its versatility. This makes the Constitution contemporary without sacrificing its framework.

But the Supreme Court in the case of Kesavananda Bharati (1973) established the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” i.e., Parliament may amend the Constitution, but not the basic structure such as the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, and judicial review. This tension between flexibility and rigidity keeps the spirit of the Constitution alive and yet permits the reforms.

Relevance in Modern Governance

The Indian Constitution remains the guiding document for governance in the 21st century. The extensive provisions contained therein narrow room for ambiguity and controversies. For instance, the inclusion of Fundamental Rights allows citizens to approach courts for safeguarding freedom. Likewise, Directive Principles encourage governments towards social justice and economic equality.

The federal structure delineated in the Constitution has helped India manage its enormous diversity without sacrificing national integration. During emergency situations of war, epidemic, or natural disaster, the Constitution’s flexibility helps the government take recourse to measures as and when necessary without breaking the judicial system. This adaptability has been one of the most important reasons for India’s democratic strength.

FAQ 

Why is the Indian Constitution the longest constitution in the world?

The Indian Constitution is the longest because it deals with federal and state affairs comprehensively and incorporates provisions that elsewhere are kept for ordinary law. It also includes provisions about administration and government.

Why is the Indian Constitution rigid and flexible?

It is inflexible as some of its provisions must be ratified by the state and require a special majority to be amended, and flexible as most of its provisions can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament.

How does the Constitution protect individual rights?

It protects Fundamental Rights like equality before the law, freedom of expression, and protection against exploitation, which can be enforced by individuals through the courts.

How many times has the Indian Constitution been amended?

It has been modified over 100 times to support changes in society, economy, and government.

Why is the Indian Constitution still important today?

It offers a stable foundation to the government and yet facilitates change through amendments, thus making India a working democracy even during changes.

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Conclusion

The most remarkable aspects of the Indian Constitution, like its length, complexity, and flexibility, qualify it as one of the world’s finest pieces of legislation. It was as detailed as possible in a bid to be able to meaningfully govern a newly independent, ethnically diverse country, and its flexibility enabled it to adapt to changes with time. With a balance of rigidity and flexibility, the Constitution is able to ensure democratic rule, social justice, and protection of basic rights. Comprehension of these factors helps us understand how the Constitution remains the backbone of India’s political and judicial system.