The Constitution Day

• 27 Nov 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with the Indian Law Institute, celebrated Constitution Day on 26^th November 2023.

What are the Key Facts About Constitution Day?

• The Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas, is celebrated in India on 26^th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
  • On 29^th August, 1947, the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution for India.
  • On 26^th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26^th January 1950.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19^th November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.
• The day is observed to spread the importance of the constitution and the thoughts and ideas of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution.

What are the Key Facts about the Constitution of India?

• The Constitution of India is the longest-written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
  • Originally, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi.
• The Constitution of India was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in a calligraphy font, and each page was decorated by artists from Shantiniketan under the guidance of Nandalal Bose.
  • The framing of the Constitution took over 2 years, 11 months and 18 days.
• The basic structure of the Indian Constitution stands on the Government of India Act, 1935.
• The Constitution of India declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic and assures its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavours to promote fraternity.
• The Constitution of India was drafted by a committee of seven members, headed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution.
• The Constitution of India was inspired by various other constitutions, such as the US Constitution, the UK Constitution, the Irish Constitution, the French Constitution, the Canadian Constitution, the Australian Constitution, and the Japanese Constitution .

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day :(2023)

Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II : On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Ans: (c)

Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country?(2023)

(a) It determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.

(b) It enables the creation of political offices and a government.

(c) It defines and limits the powers of government.

(d) It secures social justice, social equality and social security.

Ans: (c)

Exp:

• The chief purpose of a constitution is to establish the fundamental principles, structure, and functions of a government and to define the rights and freedoms of individuals within a country. Constitutions serve as the supreme law of the land and provide a framework for governance, ensuring the balance of power,protecting individual rights, and guiding the functioning of the state.
• Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950? (2021)

(a) A Democratic Republic
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Ans: (b)

Exp:

• The Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949, adopted, enacted and gave citizens their own Constitution.
• The Constitutional status of India on 26th January,1950 was a Sovereign Democratic Republic as the words- Socialist and Secular were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
• Presently, the Preamble to the Indian Constitution defines India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular and Democratic Republic.
• Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

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Mains

Q. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (2015)