How India’s laws have changed since 1950

The Constitution is important on the grounds that it ensures individual freedom, and its major standards represent the republic of India. The Constitution puts the government's supremacy in the hands of the citizens. It confines the force of the government and builds up an arrangement of balanced governance. It is the framework for the freedom that is allowed to every Indian. It secures the privileges of the citizens of a concerned nation, regardless of their religion, caste, creed, sex or physical appearance.

A constitution, hence, can be securely said to be a social contract between the government and the general population it oversees. It can likewise be esteemed as the central basic framework of government for a nation. In a constitutional nation therefore, every individual is dealt with similarly, paying little heed to his office or position and is required to submit to higher law.

The central government proclaimed November 26 as the Constitution Day to pay tribute Dr BR Ambedkar, one of the key composers of the Constitution. How about we take a gander at the changes in laws that have occurred subsequent to 1950

There have been about 100 amendments since the constitution came into force, here are the few which you really need to know:

18th June 1951

Added special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. To fully secure the constitutional validity of zamindari abolition laws and to place reasonable restriction on freedom of speech. A new constitutional device, called Schedule 9 introduced to protect laws that are contrary to the Constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights. These laws encroach upon property rights, freedom of speech and equality before law

22nd February 1955

Re-enacted entry 33 of the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule with relation to include trade and commerce in, and the production, supply and distribution of 4 classes of essential commodities, viz., food, including edible oil seeds and oils; cattle fodder, including oilcakes and other concentrates; raw cotton whether ginned or unginned, and cotton seeds; and raw jute.

24th December 1955

Empowered the President to prescribe a time limit for a State Legislature to convey its views on proposed Central laws relating to the formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States. Also permitted the President to extend the prescribed limit, and prohibited any such bill from being introduced in Parliament until after the expiry of the prescribed or extended period.

11th August 1961

Incorporation of Dadra, Nagar and Haveli as a Union Territory, consequent to acquisition from Portugal

19th December 1961

Election of Vice President by Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, instead of election by a Joint Sitting of Parliament. Indemnify the President and Vice President Election procedure from challenge on grounds of existence of any vacancies in the Electoral College

5th October 1963

Make it obligatory for seekers of public office to swear their allegiance to the Indian Republic

11th December 1966

Abolish Election Tribunals and enable trial of election petitions by regular High Courts

25th September 1969

Provision to form Autonomous states within the State of Assam

27th February 1973

Change the basis for appeals in Supreme Court of India in case of Civil Suits from value criteria to one involving substantial question of law

17th October 1973

Increase size of Parliament from 525 to 545 seats. Increased seats going to the new states formed in North East India and minor adjustment consequent to 1971 Delimitation exercise

10th August 1975

Amendment designed to negate the judgement of Allahabad High Court invalidating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election to parliament. Amendment placed restrictions on judicial scrutiny of post of Prime Minister. The amendment was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on August 7, 1975 and again introduced and passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 8, 1975.

2nd November 1976

Amendment passed during internal emergency by Indira Gandhi. Provides for curtailment of fundamental rights, imposes fundamental duties and changes to the basic structure of the constitution by making India a "Socialist Secular" Republic.

28th March 1989

Reduce age for voting rights from 21 to 18

1st August 2015

Exchange of certain enclave territories with Bangladesh and conferment of citizenship rights to residents of enclaves consequent to signing of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) Treaty between India and Bangladesh.