Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Key Constitutional Amendments and Ordinances in India
Imagine India's Constitution as a set of rules.
The 42nd Amendment was like a big update, changing several of these rules.
It added words like 'socialist' and 'secular' to the introduction (Preamble) and changed laws related to how the government works.
Article 15 protects people from being treated unfairly because of their background.
The Shah Commission looked into when the government misused its power.
The Preamble is an important introduction, but it doesn't make new laws.
The President can make laws called Ordinances when Parliament isn't meeting, but they have to be approved later.
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment significantly changed the Indian Constitution.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
The Shah Commission investigated abuses of power during the Emergency (1975-1977).
The Preamble is a vision statement, but not a source of substantive power.
Ordinances are issued by the President and have the force of law but need legislative ratification.
- Who
- The Indian government, citizens, and the Supreme Court.
- What
- Information about the Constitution, amendments, and government functions.
- When
- 1970s and ongoing.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To understand the Constitution and government operations.
Government's Actions
Judicial Perspective
Ordinances and Legislature
Government's Actions
The government can issue and reissue ordinances.
Judicial Perspective
Repeated re-promulgations without bringing the Ordinance to the legislature would usurp the legislature’s function, and would be unconstitutional.
- 42nd Amendment
- Made wholesale changes to the Indian Constitution.
- Article 15
- Prohibits discrimination based on several factors including religion and caste.
- Shah Commission
- Investigated abuses of power during the Emergency.
- Preamble
- A vision statement for the Constitution.
- Ordinances
- Laws made by the President when Parliament is not in session.