The Ministry of Law and Justice, in association with the Indian Law Institute, marked the Constitution Day on November 26, 2023. This celebration commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution, a historical event that highlights the significance of law and justice within the country.
The Significance of Constitution Day
Commonly known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas, The Constitution Day is annually celebrated on November 26. This day observes the adoption of the Indian Constitution. On August 29, 1947, the Constituent Assembly established a Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Their task was to prepare a Draft Constitution for India, which was adopted on November 26, 1949. The constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.
In 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment decided to officially declare November 26 as ‘Constitution Day’. This observance promotes the importance of our constitution and the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution.
An Overview of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution of India holds the record for being the longest-written constitution of any sovereign nation worldwide. Initially, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi. Prem Behari Narain Raizada was responsible for hand-writing the constitution in a calligraphy font, while artists from Shantiniketan embellished each page under Nandalal Bose’s guidance.
Drafting the constitution demanded over two years, 11 months, and 18 days. The fundamental structure of the Indian Constitution was based on the Government of India Act, 1935. It defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic ensuring its citizens justice, equality, liberty and promotes fraternity among them.
The Constitution of India was drafted by a seven-member committee, headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, commonly referred to as the father of the Indian Constitution. The constitution was inspired by several others, including the US, UK, Irish, French, Canadian, Australian, and Japanese Constitutions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination and Constitution Day
Constitution Day is significant for aspirants of UPSC Civil Services Examination. Questions related to the Constitution Day are often included in the Prelims and Mains examination. For instance, in 2023, a Prelims question asked candidates to consider two statements about Constitution Day and identify the correct one. Also, the Chief purpose of the ‘Constitution’ of a country was part of the question paper.
In the Mains examination of 2015, a descriptive question discussed the role of the Constituent Assembly in drafting the Constitution for Independent India. This question highlighted the importance of the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935.
The Status of India after Adopting the Constitution
The constitutional status of India on January 26, 1950, was that of a Sovereign Democratic Republic. However, the words- Socialist and Secular were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Presently, the Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular and Democratic Republic. Therefore, Constitution Day serves as an opportunity to realize India’s transformation over the years and to honor the values enshrined in its Constitution.
