Examine the basic features of Indian Constitution.

1. Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as an introductory statement that outlines the objectives and ideals of the Constitution. It emphasizes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and aims to secure for all citizens of India justice, social, economic, and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. The Preamble acts as a guiding principle and reflects the aspirations of the people of India.

2. Fundamental Rights

The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens, which include the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies. These rights ensure that citizens have the freedom to live with dignity and equality, and provide protection against any form of discrimination or exploitation. Fundamental rights are enforceable by the courts, and they form the cornerstone of India's democratic framework.

3. Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the government to establish social and economic justice in the country. They are non-justiciable in nature, meaning that they are not enforceable by courts, but they serve as a moral obligation for the government to strive towards achieving a welfare state. These principles include provisions for securing a fair distribution of wealth, promoting the welfare of people, protecting the environment, and providing for equal pay for equal work, among others.

4. Parliamentary System of Government

The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government, modeled after the British system. The Parliament consists of the President and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha is the lower house, representing the people of India through direct elections, while the Rajya Sabha is the upper house, representing the states and union territories. The Parliament is responsible for making laws, and the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government, is appointed from the majority party in the Lok Sabha.

5. Federal Structure

India has a federal system of government, where power is divided between the central government and the state governments. The Constitution delineates the powers and responsibilities of both levels of government to prevent any concentration of power. While the central government has authority over subjects of national importance such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency, the state governments have jurisdiction over matters pertaining to education, agriculture, and public health, among others. Additionally, there are provisions for the establishment of union territories, which are governed directly by the central government.

6. Independent Judiciary

The Indian Constitution establishes an independent judiciary to safeguard the rights and liberties of citizens and ensure the rule of law. The judiciary is separate from the executive and legislative branches of government, and it has the authority to interpret the Constitution, adjudicate disputes, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country, with the power of judicial review to strike down any law or action that is inconsistent with the Constitution.

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution embodies the principles of democracy, justice, and equality, and it provides the framework for governance in the world's largest democracy. With its comprehensive provisions for fundamental rights, directive principles, parliamentary system, federal structure, and independent judiciary, the Constitution lays the foundation for a vibrant and pluralistic society that values the dignity and rights of every citizen.