Enforcement of the Indian Constitution
Key Dates & Provisions
- November 26, 1949:
- Partial Enforcement:
Specific parts of the Constitution took effect immediately:
- Citizenship rules (Articles
5–9).
- Election procedures (Article
324).
- Provisional Parliament setup (Articles
379, 380).
- Transitional provisions (Articles
366, 367, 391–393).
- Significance:
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on this day.
- January 26, 1950:
- Full Enforcement:
The entire Constitution came into force.
- Celebrated as Republic Day:
Marks India’s transition to a sovereign republic.
Why January 26?
- Historical Connection:
- On January 26, 1930, the
Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (Complete
Independence) during the Lahore Session.
- Chosen to honor the struggle for freedom
and symbolize India’s break from colonial rule.
Legal Changes
- Repealed Laws:
- The Government of India Act
(1935) and Indian Independence Act (1947) were
replaced.
- Exception:
The Abolition of Privy Council Jurisdiction Act (1949) continued
to handle pending legal appeals.
Key Terms Simplified
- Provisional Parliament:
A temporary legislature that functioned until India’s first elections in
1952.
- Transitional Provisions:
Temporary rules to smoothly transition from British laws to the new
Constitution.
Takeaway:
- November 26, 1949: Constitution adopted.
- January 26, 1950: Constitution fully
enforced, marking India’s rebirth as a republic.
- Republic Day honors both the Constitution
and the 1930 Purna Swaraj declaration.
🌟 Fun Fact: The Constitution
replaced over 90% of colonial-era laws, creating a new legal framework for
independent India!