Indian Law

India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic (Preamble). It is a Union of States (Section 1). The supreme law is the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. 

The Constitution is federal in form and has the traditional characteristics of a federal system: supremacy of the Constitution, which enshrines the division of power between the Federal Government (known as 'the Centre' or 'Union Government') and State Governments, and the existence of an independent judiciary.  

The Constitution recognises certain basic fundamental rights (Part III) and prescribes certain fundamental duties (Part IVA) for every citizen of India. Any infringement of these rights can be challenged in the Courts by any citizen of India.

The basic structure of the Constitution is unchangeable and the only allowable amendments are those that do not affect its basic structure or essential character. The Constitution has been amended frequently.

The Government of India Legislative Department website includes all Amendment Acts, including Statements of Objects and Reasons for each amendment. Note that this site may not include the most recent amending Acts.

The official Legislative Department Constitution website does not always have the most up-to-date consolidated Constitution, incorporating all amendments. Nor can you rely on any open access databases to contain the most up-to-date consolidation.

To ensure you are viewing the most up-to-date consolidation (with Statements of Objects and Reasons), use Manupatra.

The Constituent Assembly Debates (vols 1-12; 1946-1950) are available:

See the following books for commentary on the Constitution and the making of the Constitution: