"The constitution of India has kept adjusting itself to the requirements of Indian society without losing its identity and sanctity." Verify the statement citing appropriate examples.
Indian constitution is a written constitution with judicious mix of flexibility and rigidity. Art 368 enumerates the provisions and procedure for amendment of different parts of the constitution. This provision has been invoked number of times to meet the exigencies and aspirations of citizens:
- Linguistic re-organization of states was achieved through seventh amendment to satisfy the aspirations of people. More amendments have been undertaken for more efficient and taking governance closer to citizens through creation of smaller states.
- Decentralization under 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments provided for local bodies in rural and urban areas in order to increase people’s participation in governance.
- 42nd CAA provided for transfer of subjects in seventh schedule from state to concurrent like education, forest for better management and governance
d) Based on the condition of marginalized group of society amendments have been done for their upliftment like 77th amendment which provided for promotion of SCs/STs in government jobs. - For boosting the economic growth and agricultural growth, land reforms were inevitable hence Right to Property was removed from fundamental rights by 44th constitutional amendment
- Goods and Services Tax, one of the major indirect tax reforms, being speculated to facilitate the ease of doing business, increase fiscal revenue and promote economic growth has been brought through constitutional amendment.
Constitutional amendments for exchange of enclaves with Bangladesh has ironed out differences with neighbouring country and further strengthened relations.
These amendments have altered the original political, administrative and politico-economic systems but have retained the core values like democracy, secularism, equality before law, federalism. To further safeguard the sanctity and integrity of constitution, Supreme Court has laid down Basic feature doctrine. This prevents parliament from undertaking any amendment which violates the basic feature of constitution.