What Are the Broad Features of the Indian Constitution?

“Salient Features of the Constitution” is a chapter from “Our Constitution: An Introduction to India’s Constitution and Constitutional laws.” It is a significant document which sheds light on the essential features of the Indian Constitution.

Indian Constitution is a lengthy and very comprehensive document. It is unique in several ways. It cannot be fitted into any usual model of constitution as written or unwritten, rigid or flexible, federal or unitary. In fact, it is a blend of the rigid and flexible, federal and unitary, and the presidential and the parliamentary forms of government. The fundamental rights safeguard citizens’ rights, while the non-enforceable directive principles provide guidelines to the states while formulating policies. There are provisions for reasonable restrictions of fundamental rights within the constitution by 42nd amendment in 1976.

The constitution has also established an independent judiciary which has jurisdiction over all laws- Union, State, Civil, Criminal or Constitutional. Indian Constitution presents an intermediary between the principles of parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy.

Dr. Kashyap argues that the Indian Constitution, unlike many constitutions framed after World War II, could successfully face crises because of its resilience, dynamics and potential for growth.

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