Highlight the unitary features of Indian Constitution.
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The Indian Constitution, while primarily federal, incorporates certain unitary features that provide for a strong and centralizing authority. These features ensure the unity and integrity of the country, especially in times of emergency or situations demanding a coordinated response. Here are some key unitary features of the Indian Constitution:
1. Single Citizenship:
Unlike federal countries where there is a dual citizenship (national and state), India follows a unitary approach with single citizenship. All citizens are considered citizens of India, and there is no separate state citizenship. This reinforces the idea of a unified nation.
2. Uniform Civil Code:
While the Constitution allows for personal laws based on religion or community, there is a directive principle advocating a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The UCC, if implemented, would provide a common set of laws for all citizens, transcending religious boundaries. This unitary feature aims to promote national integration and equal rights.
3. Integrated Judiciary:
The Indian Constitution establishes an integrated judiciary with a hierarchical structure. The Supreme Court is the apex court for the entire country, and it has the authority to interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes between the Centre and states. The judiciary's integrated nature reinforces the unitary character of the legal system.
4. Single Constitution:
India has a single written Constitution that applies uniformly to the entire country. This stands in contrast to federal countries where there may be separate constitutions for different states. The unitary nature of the Indian Constitution underscores the supremacy of the national law.
5. Appointment of Governors:
The President of India appoints Governors for the states, emphasizing a unitary authority at the state level. While Governors represent the President, their role is significant in ensuring the Centre's influence in state affairs.
6. Emergency Provisions:
The Indian Constitution grants the Centre extensive powers during emergencies. In times of national emergency, the federal structure can be temporarily transformed into a unitary one. The President can assume extraordinary powers, and the states may come under the direct control of the Centre.
7. Residuary Powers with the Centre:
Residuary powers, i.e., powers not specifically allocated to the states or the concurrent list, rest with the Centre. This gives the Union government authority over matters not explicitly mentioned in the distribution of powers between the Centre and states.
8. All-India Services:
The establishment of All-India Services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), reinforces the unitary features. These services provide a pool of officers who can serve both the Centre and the states, ensuring a uniform administrative structure.
While the Indian Constitution is essentially federal in character, the incorporation of these unitary features is a pragmatic response to the country's diverse and complex socio-political landscape. These features allow for effective governance, national unity, and the maintenance of law and order, especially during challenging times. The balance between federal and unitary elements reflects the framers' vision of creating a strong, yet flexible, constitutional framework for a vast and diverse nation like India.