The Constitution of India, the longest written constitution of any sovereign country, is a comprehensive document that lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.
At its inception, the Constitution had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. Presently, it consists of over 470 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules.
The Parts of the Constitution group articles dealing with similar subjects. For instance:
- Part I: The Union and its Territory defines India’s name and territory.
- Part II: Citizenship outlines who is a citizen of India and their rights.
- Part III: Fundamental Rights guarantees civil liberties, ensuring citizens can lead their lives in peace and harmony as long as they don’t disturb public peace and morality.
- Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy provides guidelines for the state to promote social and economic justice.
- Part IV A: Fundamental Duties lists the moral obligations of all citizens.
- Part V: The Union deals with the executive (President, Vice-President, Prime Minister), Parliament, and the Union Judiciary.
- Part VI: The States mirrors Part V for state governments.
- Subsequent parts cover topics like Panchayats, Municipalities, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, relations between the Union and States, finance, trade, services under the Union and States, elections, special provisions, and amendments.
The Schedules are tabular additions that elaborate on articles in the main body. For example, the First Schedule lists the states and union territories, the Eighth Schedule lists official languages, and the Tenth Schedule contains anti-defection provisions.
This intricate structure ensures a detailed and organized legal framework governing the world’s largest democracy.