Democracy after the R-day parade: The Constitution between promise and practice

By Vikas Meshram 

As we marked the 77th Republic Day, the occasion called for introspection not only for those in power but also for the citizens of the country. Undoubtedly, the stature of the world’s largest democracy is ensured by the people-centric and accountable nature of our constitutional institutions. However, it is essential that democracy is not overshadowed by the dominance of systems and structures. Citizens’ lives must remain smooth, and they should not face barriers in accessing power and administration. At the same time, citizens must closely monitor the functioning and accountability of constitutional institutions. Independent media in the country continues to play a vital role in safeguarding public interest.

The Indian Constitution is not merely a simple legal text of the nation; it is a living document embodying the consciousness of a civilization, memories of its struggles, and dreams for the future. It bears witness to a historic moment when, after centuries of colonial subjugation, India resolved to shape itself into a sovereign, democratic, and just nation. Implemented on 26 January 1950, the Constitution was not limited to establishing a system of governance; it also guaranteed dignity, equality, and freedom to millions of Indians. In a country so diverse in language, religion, caste, and culture, unity was not easy to achieve, yet the Constitution made what seemed impossible a reality.

Throughout its journey, the Constitution has witnessed India’s social, political, and economic upheavals. Over time, it has tested itself, reinvented itself through amendments and judicial interpretations, and continuously adapted to the needs of a changing society. Even today, as new questions arise regarding democracy, institutional balance, and civil liberties, the role of the Constitution remains immensely significant. It not only laid out the structure of governance but also worked to bind a diverse society together. While amendments have been made, interpretations have evolved, and efforts have been undertaken to address new challenges, its core spirit remains as relevant as ever.

Drafting the Constitution was a historic achievement. The Constituent Assembly represented diverse regions, classes, languages, and ideologies of the country. Under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Drafting Committee studied several constitutions from across the world and created a balanced framework suited to Indian conditions. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity were central to this process. The objective of the Constitution was not merely political freedom but also the foundation of social and economic equality, ensuring justice for classes that had been deprived for centuries—and this objective continues to guide us. Fundamental Rights are considered the heart of the Constitution. Rights such as freedom of expression, equality, freedom of religion, and the right to life and personal liberty protect citizens from state oppression.

Federalism is a distinctive feature of the Indian Constitution. The division of powers between the Union and the States respects the country’s diversity while maintaining national unity. However, over time, tensions have also emerged in Centre–State relations.

Fundamental Rights have kept Indian democracy vibrant, allowing citizens to express their views, protest, and seek justice. The judiciary has, from time to time, interpreted and expanded these rights—for instance, by including dignity, privacy, and a clean environment within the right to life. The inclusion of Fundamental Duties reflects the moral vision of the Constitution. Duties alongside rights remind us that democracy does not function merely through demands but is strengthened by responsible citizenship. The Constitution expects citizens to protect national unity, cultural heritage, and the environment. The distribution of economic resources, administrative powers, and political differences has often challenged the federal balance. The judiciary has played a crucial role in protecting the Constitution. Through the doctrine of basic structure, it has ensured that the core spirit of the Constitution is not compromised.

India’s rich democratic traditions can be preserved only through public participation. Adult voters play a decisive role in strengthening democracy and making it more transparent. The dominance of wealthy, powerful, and tainted candidates in Indian democracy can be reduced only when voters, through conscious and informed voting, elect socially aware, honest, and ordinary candidates to representative institutions. In recent times, women’s active participation in Indian democracy has increased, and their voter turnout has also risen. In fact, women have played a decisive role in forming governments in several states. Today, women making their mark from agriculture to space, from the armed forces to international sports need further empowerment. Governments must prioritize women’s education, safety, and health. Initiatives such as the large-scale opening of Jan Dhan accounts, property rights under housing schemes, and participation in self-help groups have empowered millions of women across the country.

At the same time, India is fortunate to have the world’s largest young population. The need of the hour is to ensure adequate and timely employment for this youth. Skill development programmes must pave the way for their self-reliance. If employment can be provided to every young person, the goal of a developed India can be achieved ahead of time. Efforts must be made to ensure dignified employment within the country so that young people are not forced to wander across the world in search of jobs. On the other hand, efforts must be accelerated to ensure fair prices for farmers who guarantee the nation’s food security. Low-interest loans and the timely availability of seeds and fertilizers can make their path easier. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has provided some relief to farmers, but much more remains to be done.

Maintaining a balance between judicial activism and judicial overreach is a serious subject of debate today. Amendments have played a significant role in the constitutional journey. To respond to socio-economic changes, amendments have introduced flexibility into the Constitution. Provisions such as land reforms, Panchayati Raj, the Right to Education, and reservation for economically weaker sections are efforts to make society more inclusive. However, some amendments have been accused of being driven by political interests, thereby harming the original spirit of the Constitution.

The Constitution must not remain confined to paper; it must be lived in practice, and for this, a constitutional political culture is essential. Social justice remains an unfinished dream. Discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender has not been completely eradicated. The Constitution promised equality, but changing social mindsets is a long process. Issues such as women’s safety and equal opportunities, tribal rights, and the protection of minorities continue to challenge society against constitutional ideals. The digital age has also presented new challenges before the Constitution. Protecting the Constitution is not merely the responsibility of courts or governments; it is the moral duty of every citizen.