India’s Constitution

The first major achievement of Independent India was the framing of a new Constitution based on the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and frarternity) But the Constitution has been criticised for being unusually long and comlex.

In one or two respects there is some justification in this criticism. But by and large, the alleged over-elaboration and complexity are more apparent than real.This is the sixteenth edition of the book - India’s Constitution & this edition builds on the success of its previous editions in providing a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional principles. It takes into account constitutional developments over the period and also throws light on the important issues.

The main features of the book are :

• A well-known comprehensive text on India's constitution with a holistic approach

• A revised and updated edition providing a cumulative account of the changing scene of politics with the fifteenth general elections of 2014 bringing about the decimation of the congress party and the triumph of BJP

• Coverage of the new legislation regulating procedure for recommending new appointments to the Supreme Court of India

PART-I: INTRODUCTION

• The Dawn of a New Era

• Basic Principles

• Historical Background

PART-II: PREAMBLE, TERRITORY AND CITIZENSHIP

• The Preamble

• The Union and its Territory

• Citizenship

PART-III: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

• Fundamental Rights: General Nature

• Right to Equality (Articles 14,15,16,17 and 18)

• The Right to Freedom (Article 19)

• The Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)

• The Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 to 28)

• Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30)

• The Right to Property (Articles 31, 31-A, 31-B, 31-C and 31-D) 

• The Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32 and 32-A)

• An Assessment

• The Directive Principles

• Fundamental Duties

PART-IV: THE MACHINERY OF THE UNION GOVERNMENT

• The Union Executive • The Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister

• The Vice-President and the Attorney-General

• The Union Legislature — The Parliament of India

• Legislative Procedure

• Privileges and Committees

• The Union Judiciary — The Supreme Court

PART-V: GOVERNMENT MACHINERY IN THE STATES

• The State Executive: The Governor

• The Governor and the Council of Ministers

• The State Legislature

• Judiciary in the States

• Union Territories

PART-VI: THE FEDERAL SYSTEM

• The Scheme of Division of Powers

• Administrative Relations between the Union and the States

• Financial Relations

• Inter-State Trade and Commerce

• Emergency Provisions

• The Zonal Councils

PART-VII: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

• The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India

• Public Services

• The Public Service Commissions

• Administrative Tribunals

• Official Language

• Elections

• Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

• Amendment of the Constitution

• Constitutional Review

• Concluding Observations