Constitution's Significance: Former CJI Chandrachud Discusses Key Aspects
Former CJI Chandrachud highlights the importance and relevance of the Constitution.
Photo by Anthony Garand
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on constitutional amendments, landmark judgments, and fundamental rights; Analytical questions on the role of the judiciary and the balance of power.
Visual Insights
Location of The Hindu Lit for Life 2026
Map showing Chennai, the location of The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 where Former CJI Chandrachud discussed the Constitution's significance.
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Background
The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, represents the culmination of decades of constitutionalism and the freedom struggle. The seeds of constitutional thought were sown much earlier, with documents like the Nehru Report (1928) outlining fundamental rights and principles for self-governance. The Government of India Act, 1935, served as a crucial precursor, providing a framework for provincial autonomy and a federal structure, though with significant limitations.
The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946, debated and drafted the Constitution over nearly three years, drawing inspiration from various global constitutions while adapting them to India's unique socio-political context. Key influences included the British parliamentary system, the American Bill of Rights, and the Irish Directive Principles of State Policy. The Constitution aimed to establish a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, guaranteeing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all citizens.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of the Constitution's interpretation and application, particularly concerning fundamental rights, federalism, and judicial review. Landmark judgments, such as those related to privacy (Puttaswamy case) and the abrogation of Article 370, have sparked intense debates about the Constitution's evolving meaning. The rise of digital technologies and social media has also presented new challenges to constitutional principles like freedom of speech and expression, requiring courts to adapt existing legal frameworks.
Furthermore, discussions around constitutional amendments, judicial reforms, and the balance of power between different branches of government continue to shape the constitutional landscape. The future likely holds further debates on issues such as data protection, electoral reforms, and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional values.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Constituent Assembly of India: 1. The members of the Constituent Assembly were directly elected by the people of India. 2. The representation in the Assembly was based on the principle of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. 3. The Assembly included representatives from princely states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The members of the Constituent Assembly were indirectly elected by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
2. Which of the following best describes the 'Basic Structure' doctrine of the Indian Constitution?
- A.It refers to the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens.
- B.It is a set of unamendable features of the Constitution that cannot be altered by Parliament.
- C.It includes the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- D.It is the procedure for amending the Constitution as laid down in Article 368.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Basic Structure doctrine, established in the Kesavananda Bharati case, holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendments.
3. In the context of the Indian Constitution, what is the significance of 'Justice' as enshrined in the Preamble?
- A.It refers only to legal justice administered by the courts.
- B.It encompasses social, economic, and political justice.
- C.It is limited to ensuring equality before the law.
- D.It primarily focuses on protecting the rights of minorities.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution envisions justice in its broadest sense, encompassing social, economic, and political dimensions to ensure a fair and equitable society.
4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
- A.They are fundamental in the governance of the country.
- B.They are enforceable by the courts.
- C.They aim to establish a welfare state.
- D.They are inspired by the Irish Constitution.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by the courts. They are guidelines for the state to follow while framing laws and policies.
Source Articles
Constitution guides the nation only when citizens live by its values, says former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud - The Hindu
Constitutional doctrine evolves with society, no generation can claim monopoly over it: CJI - The Hindu
Resilient Constitution - Frontline
Our Constitution is a moral education document: CJI Chandrachud - The Hindu
Suhrith Parthasarathy reviews Balanced Constitutionalism: Courts and Legislatures in India and the United Kingdom by Chintan Chandrachud - The Hindu