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The Constitution of India: Schedules

1-12 The Schedules of India The Detailed Appendices of the Constitution While the 395 Articles provide the legal framework, the 12 Schedules act as data tables and lists that provide specific details—ranging from the names of states to the languages of the Union and anti-defection laws. First Schedule States & Union Territories Lists the names of all States and Union Territories along with their territorial jurisdictions and boundaries. Articles 1 and 4 Second Schedule Salaries & Emoluments Provisions relating to the salaries, allowances, and privileges of the President, Governors, Speakers, Judges, and the CAG. High Constitutional Offices ...

The Constitution of India Part XXII: Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals (Articles 393–395)

XXII Part XXII: Short Title, Commencement, etc. The concluding part of the Constitution provides the formal identity of the document. It specifies when the Constitution came into effect, ensures its availability in the Hindi language, and formally repeals the British-era statutes that governed India prior to independence. The Final Provisions (Articles 393–395) 393 Short Title This article provides the official name of the document: "This Constitution may be called the Constitution of India." While seemingly simple, this officially established India's status as a distinct, unified constitutional entity. 394 Commencement This article handles the "rollout" of the Constitution in two phases: Nov 26, 1949: Immediate enforce...

The Constitution of India Part XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions (Article 369 - 392)

XXI Part XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions Deals with provisions that were intended to be temporary or transitional during India's shift to a Republic, as well as special provisions for certain states to meet their unique historical, cultural, or developmental needs. This part is the foundation of "Asymmetrical Federalism" in India. Special Status and Transitional Framework 370 Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir Originally provided a special autonomous status to J&K, limiting Parliament's power to make laws for the state to only specific subjects (Defense, Foreign Affairs, Communications). Current Status: Operative provisions were effectively abrogated by the President in August 2019 via the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019. 3...

The Constitution of India Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368)

XX Part XX: Amendment of the Constitution Contains the single but supremely important Article 368, which provides the procedure for amending the Constitution of India. This article establishes India's unique "flexible yet rigid" amendment process, balancing the need for constitutional evolution with the protection of its basic structure. The amendment process reflects India's middle path between a completely flexible constitution (like Britain) and an extremely rigid one (like the United States). Article 368: Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor 368 Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure therefor (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, va...

The Constitution of India Part XIX: Miscellaneous (Article 361 - 367)

XIX Part XIX: Miscellaneous Contains various provisions that don't fit neatly into other parts but are essential for the functioning of constitutional government. This part includes important immunities for constitutional authorities, provisions regarding disqualification, bar on interference in legal proceedings, and special provisions for certain states. Constitutional Immunities and Miscellaneous Provisions 361 Protection of President and Governors and Rajpramukhs (1) The President or Governor shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his office. (2) No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President or Governor during his term of office. (3) No process for arres...

The Constitution of India Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions (Article 352 to 360)

XVIII Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions Contains the most extraordinary powers granted to the Central Government during crises. This part provides for three types of emergencies: National Emergency (Article 352), State Emergency (President's Rule under Article 356), and Financial Emergency (Article 360). These provisions, often called the "constitutional dictatorship" clauses, temporarily concentrate power in the Union government to protect the nation's security, integrity, or financial stability. 1. National Emergency (Article 352) 352 Proclamation of Emergency (1) If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part thereof is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergenc...