Constitution Day, also known as 'Samvidhan Divas', is celebrated in our country on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
- On 26th November 1949, Constituent Assembly of India adopted Constitution of India, which came into effect from 26th January 1950.
- A constitution is a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is constituted or governed. It can be written (Ex-India, USA) and unwritten (Ex-Britain).
Significance/Role of Indian Constitution
- Protecting Fundamental Rights: Articles 12 to 35 contained in Part III of the Constitution deal with Fundamental Rights.
- E.g. SC in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India stated that right to privacy is part of right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).
- Promoting Social Justice: Such as abolition of untouchability (Article 14), protection of minority rights (Article 25 to 28) etc.
- Fulfilling aspirations of a society: Protecting and improving environment (Article 48A), education for all children (Article 45) etc.
- Allowing minimal coordination amongst members of a society: It establishes a framework of laws, principles, and institutions that define structure and functions of government.
- Protecting Secularism: Articles 25 to 28 guarantee right to religious freedom.
- SC in S.R.Bommai case (1994) stated that Secularism is a part of basic structure of Constitution.
