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Since its adoption on January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution has been amended 106 times, reflecting its adaptability to the changing needs of the nation’s diverse democracy.
Republic Day 2025: India holds the distinction of having the most amended national Constitution globally. (Image: Shutterstock)
REPUBLIC DAY 2025: As we celebrate the 76th Republic Day on January 26 this year, we honour not just the birth of our Republic but the essence of democracy embedded in the Constitution of India. This day symbolises the culmination of a collective dream, a vision realised through the relentless efforts of leaders, revolutionaries and visionaries who forged the pathway to our nation’s freedom. Our Constitution is not merely a document; it is the foundation of the rights we exercise, the freedoms we cherish and the democratic values we uphold.
Crafted over nearly four years, it stands as the world’s longest-written Constitution, embodying the diversity and unity of India. Its creation was no small feat, fueled by the contributions of leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and the intellectual foresight of Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect.
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Since its adoption on January 26, 1950, our Constitution has evolved with the changing needs of the nation. As of now, it has been amended 106 times, reflecting the dynamism and adaptability required to govern a diverse and populous democracy like India. These amendments not only address pressing issues but also mirror the social, political and economic transformations that define our journey.
India holds the distinction of having the most amended national Constitution globally, a testament to its flexibility and resilience.
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Here’s a closer look at some of the key amendments that have significantly impacted our nation:
Major Constitutional Amendments
- 7th Amendment (1956): Reorganisation of States: This amendment reshaped India’s states along linguistic lines, replacing the earlier classification of Class A, B, C, and D states. It introduced Union Territories and set the stage for smoother governance and cultural representation, addressing the demands of linguistic statehood.
- 24th Amendment (1971): Strengthening Parliamentary Authority: Empowering Parliament to amend fundamental rights, this amendment mandated the President’s assent to constitutional amendment bills. It arose following judicial challenges, particularly during the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case.
- 39th Amendment (1975): Protecting Top Officials’ Elections: Enacted during the Emergency, it insulated elections of the Prime Minister and other key officials from judicial scrutiny, directly affecting Indira Gandhi’s contested 1971 election.
- 42nd Amendment (1976): The ‘Mini Constitution’: Introduced during the Emergency, it added Socialist, Secular and Integrity to the Preamble, centralized power, and curtailed judicial review. Fundamental duties for citizens were also enshrined, marking a pivotal constitutional shift.
- 52nd Amendment (1985): Anti-Defection Law: Aimed at curbing political instability, this amendment disqualified legislators who defected from their parties, ensuring party discipline and accountability.
- 61st Amendment (1989): Lowering the Voting Age: By reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 years, it empowered millions of young Indians to actively participate in the democratic process.
- 73rd Amendment (1993): Panchayati Raj: Institutionalising grassroots governance, this amendment granted constitutional status to village-level administration, fostering participatory democracy.
- 86th Amendment (2002): Right to Education: Making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14, this amendment underscored the nation’s commitment to universal literacy and childhood development.
- 101st Amendment (2016): Introduction of GST: A landmark reform, the Goods and Services Tax streamlined India’s tax system, replacing multiple indirect taxes with a unified structure.
- 106th Amendment (2023): Women’s Reservation: Reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women, this amendment marked a monumental step towards gender equality in political representation.
