Like any other written constitution, the constitution of India also provides for amendment. The procedure is neither easy as in Britain nor as difficult as in the USA. In part XX with Article 368 specially made for amendment by the power of parliament. But in 1973 case, Supreme Court ruled that the Parliament cannot amend those provision which forms the “basic structure” of the constitution.
| Originally on 26 November 1950 | Presently in 2018 |
| One Preamble XXII Parts covering 1-395 articles. 8 Schedules | One Preamble XXII Parts covering 1-395 articles. 12 Schedules 101 Amendments |
Basic Features of Indian Constitution
The following have emerged as basic features of indian constitution.
- Supremacy of the constitution
- Sovereign democratic Republican nature of Indian polity
- The secular character of the constitution
- Federal character of the Constitution
- Unity and integrity of the Constitution
- Welfare state
- Separation of powers between the legislature and the executive and the judiciary
- Powers of the supreme court under article 32 136 141 and 142
- Principal of reasonableness
- Effective access to justice
- Limited power of Parliament to amend the constitution
- Independence of Judiciary
- Free and fair elections
- Principle of equality
- Rule of law
- Parliamentary system
- Freedom and dignity of the individual
- Judicial review