Salient Features of Indian Constitution

Salient Features of Indian Constitution 

The Indian Constitution has several salient features:

Lengthy Preamble: 

It begins with a detailed Preamble that outlines the ideals and goals of the Constitution. The Objectives specified in the preamble contain the basic structure of our Constitution, which cannot be amended in exercise of the power under article 368 of the Constitution.

It was mentioned by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Keshavananda Bharti v/s State Of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461, Paragraph 292, 437, 599 682 and 1164, Minerva Mills v/s Union On India.AIR 1980 SC 1789.

PREAMBLE 

WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [ SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ] and to Secure to all its cityzen:

JUSTICE, Social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of Thoughts, expression, belief,faith and worship; 

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;

and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation];

IN OUR CONSTITUTION ASSEMBLY this twenty sixth day of November 1949 do hereby ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSEL VES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Word Used in PREAMBLE SECULAR AND SOCIALIST was added by 42nd amendment.

Federal Structure:

India has a federal system with a division of powers between the central and state governments.

Parliamentary System:

It follows a parliamentary form of government with a President as the ceremonial head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.

Fundamental Rights: 

The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including right to equality, freedom of speech, and right to life.

Directive Principles: 

It includes Directive Principles of State Policy that provide guidelines for state policy and governance.

Fundamental Duties:

The Constitution incorporates Fundamental Duties for citizens to uphold the integrity of the nation.

Secular State: India is a secular state, meaning it does not have an official religion, and citizens have the freedom to practice their religion.

Universal Adult Suffrage: 

Every citizen over 18 years has the right to vote, promoting democratic participation.

Independent Judiciary 

The judiciary is independent and has the power of judicial review to ensure the Constitution is upheld.

Single Citizenship: 

India follows a single citizenship system, unlike some federal countries with dual citizenship.

Rigidity and Flexibility: 

The Constitution is partly rigid (amendment requires special majority) and partly flexible (some amendments can be made by a simple majority).

Quasi-federal: 

While it is a federal system, in times of emergency, the central government can extend its authority over states.

Shedule Castes and Tribes: 

Special provisions are made for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

These are some of the salient features of the Indian Constitution that make it unique and complex.