Note: This is a quick read covering a brief outlay of the relevant events. Kindly refer to the requisite sources for a detailed explanation of the events that follow.
What is a constitution?
A set of fundamental laws and guidelines that set down how a country should be governed. It describes the main institutions of the state and the relationships they share - Executive, Legislature, and judiciary. It places limits on the exercise of power and sets out the rights and duties of the citizens.
Fact alert!
Indian constitution is the lengthiest written document in the world, while Monaco has the shortest constitution.
Journey from the Dominion of India into the Republic of India
psss psss.. a dominion allows foreign interference with the country acting as a colony while a republic is free of external influence and has a president!
The British crown tried enforcing a systematized ruling mechanism over India through varied acts but failed to appeal to the population as Indians were not made a part of the decision-making processes. They were made to strictly benefit the British. [Govt of India Act, Indian Council Act]
Let's quickly delve into Landmarks marking the making:
August offer 1940: The House of Commons agreed to the formation of a Constituent Assembly in India after WW2.
1942 Cripps mission failure:
a. demanded more than a dominion with Universal Adult Suffrage
b. Muslim League demanded 2 separate states
1946 Cabinet Act: the Constituent Assembly (CA for future reference) was formed to draft the Constitution, it was formed after elections via Restricted Adult Suffrage.
Dr. Sachidanand Sinha was nominated as the temporary president for a day later followed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the President and Harendra Coomar Mookerjee as the VP of the committee.
1947 - Mountbatten plan - partition of the country was accepted → Independence of India Act in British parliament made India a sovereign and the CA took up the legislative duties as well.
Drafting committee of CA:
chairman: BR Ambedkar
The 1st draft was sent for an 8-month public review followed by iterations as suggested by the CA members.
Constitution Day: 26 November
26 January 1950 Republic Day → The constitution was put into effect and the date was chosen marking the auspicious day when Purna Swaraj was called for.
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