Constitution of India: Here Are Key Features and Significant Provisions Explained Simply

The Constitution of India is the foundation of India’s democratic system. Adopted by the Constituent Assembly, it governs how the country is run and how power is distributed. Known for being the longest written constitution, it uniquely balances rigidity with flexibility and reflects India’s diversity, aspirations, and commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

• One of the most striking features of the Indian Constitution is that it is the longest written constitution in the world.
• Its length is due to detailed provisions for the Union and the States, comprehensive Centre-State relations, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and special arrangements for regional and social diversity.
• It has drawn extensively from global constitutions, combining global best practices with Indian realities, making it both detailed and adaptable.

Sovereignty of the People and Democratic Nature

• The Preamble clearly states that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India.
• Sovereignty resides in the people, not in Parliament or the government.
• India is declared a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, meaning it is independent in decision-making, committed to social justice, treats all religions equally, follows democratic governance, and has an elected head of state.
• This ensures that political power ultimately rests with citizens.

Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

• The Indian Constitution is neither too rigid nor too flexible.
• Some provisions, such as federal arrangements and judicial independence, require a special amendment procedure involving a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by states.
• Other provisions can be amended by a simple majority.
• This balance allows stability in core values while permitting change according to social and political needs, ensuring continuity with adaptability.

Federal System with Unitary Bias

• India follows a federal structure with powers divided between the Union and the States.
• However, it also has strong unitary features, making it a quasi-federal system.
• Single citizenship, a unified judiciary, centrally appointed governors, and emergency provisions strengthen the Centre.
• During emergencies, the Constitution allows the system to function almost like a unitary state to protect national unity and integrity.

Parts of the Indian Constitution (List-wise)

Part I – The Union and its Territory (Articles 1-4)

• India described as a Union of States
• Unity of India is indestructible
• Deals with formation, alteration of states and UTs

Part II – Citizenship (Articles 5-11)

• Articles 5-8: Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution
• Articles 9-11: Acquisition and termination of citizenship
• Parliament has power to regulate citizenship laws

Part III – Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)

• Guarantees basic rights to citizens and individuals
• Includes Right to Equality, Freedom, Religion, Remedies, etc.
• Inspired largely by the US Bill of Rights
• Rights are justiciable

Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)

• Guidelines for the State to establish social & economic democracy
• Non-justiciable (cannot be enforced by courts)
• Aim at welfare state

Part IVA – Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

• Added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
• Based on Swaran Singh Committee
• Contains 11 Fundamental Duties

Part V – The Union (Articles 52-151)

• Union Executive (52-78): President, Vice-President, PM, Council of Ministers
• Union Legislature (79-122): Parliament
• Union Judiciary (124-147): Supreme Court

Part VI – The States (Articles 153-237)

• State Executive (153–167): Governor, CM, Council of Ministers
• State Legislature (168–212)
• State Judiciary (214–237): High Courts

Part VII – Repealed

• Repealed by 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956

Part VIII – Union Territories (Articles 239-242)

• Administered by the President through an Administrator
• Direct control of the Central Government
• Limited autonomy

Part IX – Panchayats (Articles 243–243O)

• Added by 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act
• Strengthens rural local self-government
• Based on Article 40

Part IXA – Municipalities (Articles 243P-243ZG)

• Added by 74th Constitutional Amendment Act
• Urban local self-government
• Structure, powers, functions defined

Part IXB – Co-operative Societies (Articles 243ZH-243ZT)

• Added by 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011
• Promotes economic justice and self-help

Part X – Scheduled and Tribal Areas (Articles 244-244A)

• Fifth Schedule: Scheduled Areas
• Sixth Schedule: Tribal Areas (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram)

Part XI – Relations between Union and States (Articles 245-263)

• Legislative relations (245–255)
• Administrative relations (256–263)
• Financial relations (264–289)

Part XII – Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits (Articles 264-300A)

• Distribution of financial resources
• Union and State executive powers
• Government contracts and property

Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse (Articles 301-307)

• Freedom of trade and commerce across India
• Reasonable restrictions allowed
• Inspired by Australian Constitution

Part XIV – Services under Union and States (Articles 308-323)

• Recruitment and service conditions of public servants
• Public Service Commissions (UPSC & SPSC)

Part XIVA – Tribunals (Articles 323A-323B)

• Added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
• Administrative Tribunals (323A)
• Other Tribunals (323B)

Part XV – Elections (Articles 324-329A)

• Election Commission of India
• Conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President & VP

Part XVI – Special Provisions for Certain Classes (Articles 330-342)

• Safeguards for SCs, STs, OBCs, Anglo-Indians
• Reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies

Part XVII – Official Language (Articles 343-351)

• Hindi as Official Language of the Union
• 8th Schedule lists official languages

Part XVIII – Emergency Provisions (Articles 352-360)

• National Emergency
• President’s Rule (State Emergency)
• Financial Emergency

Part XIX – Miscellaneous (Articles 361-367)

• Protection of President & Governors
• Definitions and constitutional interpretation
• Special provisions for ports, airports, treaties

Part XX – Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)

• Procedure for constitutional amendments
• Neither too rigid nor too flexible

Part XXI – Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions (Articles 369-392)

• Special provisions for certain states
• Articles 371–371J address regional aspirations

Part XXII – Short Title, Commencement & Repeals (Articles 393-395)

• Short title of Constitution
• Commencement date
• Authoritative Hindi text
• Repeals

Question

Q. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights?

A. Part III
B. Part IV
C. Part V
D. Part IX