Introduction
- This chapter helps us understand how India’s Constitution was formed and why it is important.
- It tells us about the dreams of our freedom fighters and the ideas that shaped our Constitution.
- The chapter also teaches us about the values of democracy, freedom, and unity that the Constitution stands for.
- We learn how the Constituent Assembly worked, the role of leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and the key features of the Constitution.
- The chapter also explains the rights we enjoy, important laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and how the Constitution can be changed through amendments.
- It shows the path to fairness, equality, and justice.
- Like a guiding light of our democracy, it helps India stay united, free, and strong.
Let us Begin...
Gandhiji's wishes to have in the future Constitution of India ?
- Sovereignty – Power should rest with the people.
- Equality – No discrimination based on caste, religion, or status.
- Fraternity – Promote unity and brotherhood among all.
- Gender Justice – Equal rights and respect for both men and women.
- Village Self-Governance – Gandhiji believed that villages should be self-reliant and governed by the people through Gram Sabhas.
- Religious Tolerance – People of all religions should live peacefully and respect one another’s faith.
- Non-violence and Peace – The country should follow the path of ahimsa (non-violence) in solving problems and building society.
Constitution: The Dream of Freedom Fighters
The First War of Independence in 1857
- The First War of Independence in 1857 was the first mass movement against the British rule.
- Soldiers, tribals, kings, feudal lords, peasants and many other groups participated in the struggle.
- This movement helped the people to develop a sense of nationalism based on religious harmony.
- The strengthening of nationalism led to the formation of many regional organisations like Indian Association, Madras Native Association Pune Sarvajanik Sabha and a national organisation emerged in 1885 through the Indian National Congress.
- The anti-British agitations at the national level, achieved an organised dimension.
The main objectives of the movement
- To bring the problems of various groups of people in India to the attention of the British authorities.
- To develop a sense of nationalism among the people beyond caste, religion and regional thinking.
- To end foreign rule.
- To ensure a better social and political life for every Indian.
Gandhiji's Intrvention & The views influenced the framing of our constitution.
- Gandhiji's influence strengthened the demand for democracy based on social justice.
- The leaders wished that the ideas and values of freedom, equality based on social justice, brotherhood, and religious harmony put forward by the national movement.
- It laid the foundation of our constitution.
- Individual freedom should be given priority.
- Civil rights must be ensured.
- All religions should be given equal importance.
- Social justice should be ensured.
- Democratic administration should be strengthened.
The features of the Government of India Act (1935)
Constituent Assembly: Key Features
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Born: April 14, 1891
Died: December 6, 1956
Also Known As: Babasaheb Ambedkar
🧠 Who Was He?
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a brilliant jurist, economist, social reformer, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
- He was a champion of social justice, dedicating his life to fighting against caste discrimination, especially for the rights of the Dalits (formerly called 'Untouchables').
- His birthday, April 14, is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti across India.
- Honored with the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) posthumously in 1990.
- Seen as a symbol of equality, justice, and empowerment for millions.
🏛️ Major Contributions
- Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of India (1947–1950).
- Introduced fundamental rights, equality before law, and abolition of untouchability.
- Fought for reservations in education and jobs for backward classes.
- Founded the Scheduled Castes Federation and later the Republican Party of India.
- Played a key role in India’s labor laws, banking reforms, and economic policies.
Features of Indian constitution
📘 Sources of Laws in the Indian Constitution
1. Government of India Act, 1935
- Federal structure
- Provincial autonomy
- Emergency provisions
- Public Service Commissions
2. British Constitution
- Parliamentary system
- Rule of law
- Single citizenship
- Bicameral legislature
- Cabinet system
3. United States Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Judicial review
- Independence of judiciary
- Written Constitution
- Impeachment process
4. Irish Constitution
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- President’s election method
5. Canadian Constitution
- Federation with strong center
- Residuary powers with center
- Governor’s appointment
6. Australian Constitution
- Concurrent list
- Freedom of trade between states
- Joint sitting of Parliament
7. French Constitution
- Liberty, equality, fraternity (in Preamble)
8. Russian (USSR) Constitution
- Fundamental duties
- Justice and economic rights
9. Weimar Constitution (Germany)
- Emergency powers
🧒 ACT Related to Children's Rights in India
🎓 Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act)
- Ensures free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14 years.
🚫 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
- Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations.
🛡️ Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012
- Protects children from sexual abuse, harassment, and pornography.
👮 Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
- Provides care and legal protection for juveniles in conflict with law and those in need.
💍 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
- Prohibits child marriage and punishes those who promote or perform it.
Legal marriage age: 18 years (girls), 21 years (boys).
📜 Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005
- Sets up national and state commissions to safeguard children’s rights.
⚖️ Constitutional Protection from Exploitation
- Article 23: Prohibits trafficking and forced labor.
- Article 24: Bans work of children below 14 in factories and mines.
🏠 Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
- Aims to ensure safe upbringing, rehabilitation, and protection of children from abuse or neglect.
🍛 Food Security Act, 2013
- Provides nutritional support and mid-day meals in schools.
🏥 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021
- Offers safeguards and medical protection for pregnant minors and adolescents.
🛡️ POCSO ACT, 2012
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
The POCSO Act was enacted by the Government of India in 2012 to protect children from:
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Use of children in pornography
This act ensures a child-friendly legal process and provides strict punishment to offenders. It applies to all individuals under the age of 18 years, regardless of gender.
Key Features:
- Special courts for speedy trials
- Confidentiality of child’s identity
- Mandatory reporting of abuse
- Legal aid and support for child victims
This law is an important step in ensuring a safe and secure childhood for all Indian children.
The law states that cases of sexual assault are to be reported (under Section 19) to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police. Officers handling POCSO cases are known as Child Welfare Police Officers (CWPO).The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has set up a monitoring system (POCSO Monitoring Cell) under Section 44 of the POCSO Act.
Functions of the Constitution
📜 Constitutional Amendments in India
1) Which ideas were newly added to the Constitution in 1976 ?
2) In which year did the Constitution of India come into force ?
3) What was the first amendment made in the constitution and in which year ?
4) How long did the Right to Property remain a fundamental right in India ?
5) Is Education a fundamental right in India? Since when ?
6) How many times has the Indian Constitution been amended so far ?
📜 Major Constitutional Amendments in India
1st Amendment (1951)
- Limited Freedom of Speech.
- Introduced 9th Schedule to protect land reforms.
42nd Amendment (1976) – "Mini Constitution"
- Added “Socialist”, “Secular”, “Integrity” to the Preamble.
- Introduced Fundamental Duties (Article 51A).
- Strengthened central government’s powers.
44th Amendment (1978)
- Restored Article 21 (Right to Life).
- Limited emergency powers.
52nd Amendment (1985) – Anti-Defection Law
- Added 10th Schedule to prevent political defections.
61st Amendment (1989)
- Lowered voting age from 21 to 18.
73rd Amendment (1992) – Panchayati Raj
- Gave constitutional status to rural local bodies.
- Added 11th Schedule.
74th Amendment (1992) – Urban Local Bodies
- Strengthened municipalities.
- Added 12th Schedule.
86th Amendment (2002)
- Made Right to Education (Article 21A) a Fundamental Right.
101st Amendment (2016) – GST
- Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Created GST Council (Article 279A).
⚖️ "Do not shake the foundation!"
A powerful message reminding us to protect the core principles of our Constitution — liberty, equality, justice, secularism, and rule of law.
In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court declared that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter the basic structure of it.
This means:
- ✅ Changes are allowed
- ❌ But core values like democracy, secularism, federalism, and judicial independence must be preserved
“Do not shake the foundation” is a timeless warning to all generations to uphold the spirit of the Constitution.
🎓 Education: A Fundamental Right
Education is not just a privilege — it is a Fundamental Right of every child in India. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A into the Constitution, making free and compulsory education a legal right for all children aged 6 to 14 years.
Key Features:
- 📘 Article 21A: Right to Education added as a Fundamental Right.
- 🏫 RTE Act, 2009: Enforces this right through legislation.
- 🧒 Ensures no child is denied education due to poverty, caste, gender, or disability.
- 📚 Provides infrastructure standards, teacher qualifications, and a child-friendly learning environment.
“An educated child is an empowered citizen.” The right to education builds the future of India.
📘 Mini Constitution!
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 is famously known as the "Mini Constitution" of India because it was one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching amendments in the history of the Indian Constitution.
Key Highlights:
- 🕊️ Added the words Socialist, Secular, Integrity to the Preamble.
- 🧑⚖️ Reduced the power of the judiciary.
- 📜 Gave priority to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights (Article 31C).
- 👥 Introduced Fundamental Duties (Article 51A).
- 🏛️ Strengthened central government control over states.
This amendment changed the tone and direction of the Constitution significantly, which is why it’s nicknamed the "Mini Constitution".
🚧 Challenges in Implementing Laws
🚧 Challenges in Implementing Laws
Implementing laws in a large and diverse country like India is not always easy. While laws are created for the benefit of society, several challenges can hinder their effective implementation.
Reasons for Challenges:
- ⚖️ Varied interests of people – Different groups may have conflicting views and priorities.
- 📃 Laws that do not fully reflect the will of the people – Sometimes, laws may be made without wide public consultation.
- ❔ Ignorance of the law – Many citizens are unaware of new laws or their rights and duties.
- 🚫 Lack of proper enforcement – Poor infrastructure, shortage of police or officials, and slow judicial process can weaken implementation.
- 💼 Corruption and misuse of power – Laws may be applied unfairly due to corrupt practices.
- 🌐 Lack of awareness campaigns – If new laws are not communicated effectively, people don’t know how to follow them.
- 🧩 Socio-economic inequality – Marginalized communities may not have equal access to justice or legal help.
“We are a society with diverse interests. However, everyone is constitutionally bound to obey public laws. In a democracy, criticism and struggle against new laws are natural. These objections must be approached through constitutional and democratic means.”
TO KNOW MORE..
🇮🇳 Interesting Facts About the Indian Constitution
📜 Longest Constitution
It is the longest written Constitution in the world.
🖋️ Handwritten
The original copies were handwritten in Hindi and English.
👨⚖️ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
He is known as the Chief Architect of the Constitution.
📆 Date of Enforcement
The Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950.
🕒 Time Taken
It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete.
🧾 Original Content
395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules originally.
📌 Inspired by Many
Borrowed features from the UK, USA, Ireland, and more.
✒️ Calligraphed
By Prem Behari Narain Raizada — in beautiful handwriting.
📖 Stored with Care
The original is kept in a helium-filled case in the Parliament Library.
🔁 100+ Amendments
The Constitution has been amended more than 100 times.
📚 42nd Amendment
Known as the "Mini Constitution", it made major changes in 1976.
👩⚖️ Women in Assembly
15 women were part of the Constituent Assembly.
🧾 Preamble Amended
The Preamble was amended once — in 1976 — to add "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity".
⚖️ Article 370
It gave special status to Jammu & Kashmir, later abrogated in 2019.
🌐 22 Official Languages
The 8th Schedule lists 22 languages recognized by the Constitution.
📆 Constitution Day
Celebrated on 26 November, the day it was adopted in 1949.
👥 Directive Principles
Inspired by Ireland, they guide the government to ensure social justice.
📌 Fundamental Duties
Originally not in the Constitution — added in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment.
🧠 Inspired by the World
Features borrowed from US (judiciary), UK (parliament), USSR (justice), and others.
🏛️ No Fixed Length
The Constitution keeps evolving — it is a living document!
🖼️ Illustrated Constitution
The original manuscript contains artworks by famous artist Nandalal Bose.
🧑⚖️ President Signs It
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, signed the Constitution first.
📦 Parts Increased
From 22 parts originally, the Constitution now has 25 parts.
🌎 World's Largest Democracy
India became the world's largest democracy when the Constitution came into effect.
📖 Hindi Name
The Hindi version of the Constitution is titled "Bharatiya Samvidhan".
👨💼 Chairman of Drafting Committee
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar headed the 7-member Drafting Committee formed in August 1947.
🔐 Guardian of Constitution
The Supreme Court is called the guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.
📅 Fastest Amendment
The First Amendment was passed just a year after the Constitution came into effect — in 1951.
🧑⚖️ No “Justice” in Directive Principles
While justice is a goal in the Preamble, it's not a directly enforceable law in Directive Principles.
📝 105 Amendments (as of 2021)
India has made 105 Constitutional Amendments — showing its dynamic nature.
🔤 Written in English & Hindi
The Constitution was originally handwritten in both English and Hindi versions — not typed or printed.
🕊️ Preamble as the Soul
The Preamble is often called the "Soul of the Constitution" because it captures its essence and vision.
“The Indian Constitution is not just a rulebook — it's the heartbeat of our democracy.”
MODEL QUESTIONS
Activity 1
Understanding the Indian Constitution
"The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, guiding how our nation is governed and protecting the rights of every citizen. It not only defines the powers of the government but also ensures justice, equality, and freedom for all. The following questions will help you explore key aspects of the Constitution, such as its origin, important amendments, and laws safeguarding the rights of children."
1) When did the Constitution of India come into force? ( Score : 1 )
2) Name two laws related to children's rights as per the Indian Constitution. ( Score: 2)
- Right to Education Act, 2009
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
3) Describe the significance of the 42nd Amendment, often called the “Mini Constitution.”( Score: 2)
- The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 made major changes to the Constitution, strengthening the powers of the central government.
- It added the words "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity" to the Preamble and expanded Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties.
Activity 2
Features and Duties in the Indian Constitution
"The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive framework that outlines not only the structure and powers of the government but also the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It defines essential features like the Rule of Law, Single Citizenship, and Fundamental Rights, while also emphasizing the importance of duties in maintaining national unity and harmony. The following questions will help you understand these features, key amendments, and the role of citizens in upholding constitutional values."
1) Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution? ( Score : 1 )
a) Single Citizenship
b) Rule of Law
c) Monarchy
d) Fundamental Rights
2) Which Fundamental Right was removed by the 44th amendment? ( Score: 1)
3) Which act was used as India’s constitution before the current Constitution came into force?( Score: 1)
4) What role does the Constitution play in defining the duties of citizens? ( Score: 2)
- The Constitution lists Fundamental Duties in Article 51A to promote responsible citizenship.
- These duties guide citizens to uphold national values like unity, harmony, and respect for the Constitution.
Activity 3
Visionaries and Their Ideas for the Indian Constitution
"The Indian Constitution is the result of the vision, hard work, and dedication of great leaders who shaped its values and principles. Figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi contributed significantly to its framework, ensuring it reflects justice, equality, and democratic ideals. This activity focuses on understanding the key personalities involved in its creation and the core ideas they wanted to embed in India’s governance."
1) Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution ? ( Score : 1 )
2) Explain the main ideas that Gandhiji wanted to be part of India’s future Constitution.( Score: 4)
- Village Panchayats: Gandhiji wanted strong village-level self-governance to empower rural communities.
- Upliftment of the poor: He emphasized justice and equality for the poor and marginalized.
- Non-violence and truth: He believed in a Constitution based on peaceful values and truthful governance.
- Moral and ethical society: Gandhiji wanted the Constitution to promote a moral and ethical way of life for all citizens.
Activity 4
Laws Protecting Children’s Rights in India
"India has enacted several important laws to safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of children. Acts like the POCSO Act and the Right to Education strengthen legal protections, ensure access to education, and promote a safe environment for growth. This activity explores key legislations and their impact on children’s lives."
1) What is the primary objective of the POCSO Act?( Score : 1 )
2) What year was the Right to Education made a fundamental right in India?( Score: 1 )
3) Discuss the impact of the POCSO Act on children’s rights in India. ?( Score: 3)
- The POCSO Act, 2012 provides strong legal protection for children against sexual abuse and exploitation.
- It ensures child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial to reduce trauma.
- The Act mandates speedy trials through Special Courts for justice without delay.
Activity 5
Introduction to India’s Constitution
"India’s Constitution not only lays down the guiding principles of governance but also ensures that democratic values reach every citizen. The introduction of systems like the Panchayati Raj has strengthened grassroots democracy, while constitutional laws aim to protect rights and promote justice. Understanding when such reforms were introduced and the challenges in their implementation helps us appreciate both the progress made and the work that remains."
1) In which year was the Panchayati Raj system formalized through a constitutional amendment?( Score: 1)
2) What are the main challenges in implementing laws in India, according to the Constitution ?( Score : 4 )
- Varied interests of people in a diverse society can lead to conflicts in accepting laws.
- Ignorance of laws among citizens affects proper enforcement and compliance.
- Lack of infrastructure and manpower delays legal processes and justice delivery.
- Some laws may not fully reflect the will of the people, reducing their effectiveness and acceptance.
More Questions and Answers
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 73rd Amendment
d) 86th Amendment
b) State Police Department
c) POCSO Monitoring Cell
d) Juvenile Justice Board
b) Rule of Law
c) Monarchy
d) Fundamental Rights
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
- He played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution’s values, ensuring justice, equality, and liberty for all citizens.
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Federalism refers to the division of powers between the Union and State governments.
- It allows both levels of government to function independently within their areas of authority.
- The Preamble declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
- It highlights key ideals like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which guide the entire Constitution.
- Single Citizenship means that all Indians are citizens of India only, regardless of the state or union territory they belong to.
- It promotes national unity and equality, without separate citizenships for different states.
- The Constitution is the foundation of all laws and provides the legal framework for the country.
- All laws, policies, and actions of the government must conform to the Constitution.
- The freedom struggle united people across India to fight for justice, equality, and self-rule.
- Leaders learned the importance of rights and democracy through years of resistance.
- Movements like the Civil Disobedience and Quit India inspired constitutional values such as liberty and equality.
- The experience of colonial injustice shaped the demand for a Constitution that guarantees rights and safeguards democracy.
- It defines the structure and powers of the government at different levels.
- It lays down the rights and duties of citizens to promote harmony and justice.
- It serves as a guiding framework for governance and policy-making.
- It reflects the values and aspirations of the people, promoting unity and national identity.
- It introduced the federal structure, which influenced the division of powers between the Centre and States.
- It provided the basis for the bicameral legislature (two houses of Parliament).
- It established the office of the Governor and Public Service Commissions, later retained in the Constitution.
- Many administrative provisions from the Act were adopted into the Indian Constitution with modifications.
- Fundamental Rights are basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens.
- They include rights like equality, freedom, education, and protection against exploitation.
- These rights ensure individual dignity, democracy, and justice in society.
- They are essential for protecting citizens from arbitrary actions of the government and promoting freedom and equality.
- The POCSO Act, 2012 provides strong legal protection for children against sexual abuse and exploitation.
- It ensures child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial to reduce trauma.
- The Act mandates speedy trials through Special Courts for justice without delay.
- It has increased awareness and reporting of offences, strengthening the safety and dignity of children.
- The Rule of Law means that no one is above the law, not even the government.
- It ensures that laws apply equally to all citizens, promoting justice and fairness.
- It protects citizens from arbitrary actions by authorities.
- It upholds constitutional supremacy, making the Constitution the highest legal authority.
- Secularism means the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
- It ensures freedom of religion for all citizens, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
- It promotes peaceful coexistence in India’s diverse religious society.
- Secularism helps prevent religious discrimination and maintains national unity and harmony.
- It was removed to make land reforms and redistribution easier for social justice.
- The government faced legal challenges while acquiring land for public purposes.
- The 44th Amendment Act, 1978 reclassified it as a legal right under Article 300A.
- This change allowed the state to acquire property with reasonable compensation, balancing public good and individual rights.
- It ensures free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14, promoting equality.
- It supports the Right to Education under Article 21A of the Constitution.
- It helps reduce social and economic disparities by making education accessible to all.
- The Act upholds values like justice, liberty, and dignity, essential for a democratic society.
- It establishes a democratic government with universal adult suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote.
- It guarantees Fundamental Rights, protecting individual freedoms and equality.
- It provides for separation of powers among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
- It ensures free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and rule of law, all essential for a functioning democracy.
- The Preamble declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, guiding national policies and laws.
- It upholds Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, ensuring fair treatment and dignity for all.
- These values shape the government’s decisions, governance, and welfare schemes.
- The Preamble acts as the spirit of the Constitution, influencing all branches of government to work for the people.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
- He played a key role in structuring the Constitution to ensure justice, equality, and liberty.
- He strongly advocated for the rights of marginalized communities, especially Dalits and women.
- His deep legal knowledge and vision helped create a progressive and inclusive Constitution for India.
- Varied interests of people in a diverse society can lead to conflicts in accepting laws.
- Ignorance of laws among citizens affects proper enforcement and compliance.
- Lack of infrastructure and manpower delays legal processes and justice delivery.
- Some laws may not fully reflect the will of the people, reducing their effectiveness and acceptance.