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The document provides an overview of Indian polity, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution as the supreme law that outlines the structure and functions of government, as well as the rights and duties of citizens. It discusses the principles of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, highlighting the need for limited government to ensure liberty and justice. Additionally, it contrasts Indian social justice and change with those in the USA, illustrating the unique objectives of the Indian Constitution.

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15 views2 pages

Lecture_1

The document provides an overview of Indian polity, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution as the supreme law that outlines the structure and functions of government, as well as the rights and duties of citizens. It discusses the principles of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, highlighting the need for limited government to ensure liberty and justice. Additionally, it contrasts Indian social justice and change with those in the USA, illustrating the unique objectives of the Indian Constitution.

Uploaded by

Sougata Halder
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Indian Polity

Prof. Rajesh Mishra


23 November 2023

Introduction
The primary motivation to understand Indian polity is to recognise the application of the articles of the consti-
tution, not the terms.

Constitution
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. The document lays down the framework that demarcates
fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out
fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens
• The supreme law of the land.
• Ordinary laws enacted by the parliament of the state legislative assembly are subordinated to the constitution.
• It defines the power of every organ of the government.
■ Organ of government
∗ Legislature: The powers of the legislature in India are exercised by the Parliament, a bicameral
legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
∗ Executive: The executive of government is the one that has sole authority and responsibility for
the daily administration of the state bureaucracy. The President, Prime minister, IAS Council of
Ministers, etc., come in this group.
∗ Judiciary: The judiciary of India is a system of courts that interpret and apply the law in the
Republic of India. i.g. Supreme Court, High Court.
• Constitution also put limitations on the various organs of the gov.
• It is not merely a legal document in India but a document of social change and justice.
• Constitution
– Mechanism of social justice.
– Social change.
– Social revolution.
Difference:
India USA
Social Justice Industrialization
Social Change Advancement
Social Revolution Rights
social Equality
Economics Equality
Note: First Election Commissioner of India Sukumar Sen.
Note: L-E-J1 are organs of the Gov. but Preimble, Fundamental rights, Directive principles of state policy
are objective, goal or philosophy of Indian constitution.
1 Legislature, Executive, Judiciary

1
Democracy
Democracy is a system of government where the people have the power to participate in decision-making. The word
comes from the ancient Greek words demos (the people) and kratos (to rule).

From the Government From the Society Values/Ideas


Concerns of the people (elections) No discrimination Dignity of the people
Elected Gov. Majority will not suppress minority Liberty
Gov. is accountable towards people Absence of Partiality Equality
People are masters Fraternity

Constitutionalism
a) It refers to the values and ideals of the Constitution.
b) Values or Ideals stand for Liberty, equality, and fraternity.

c) Supremacy of the Constitution is essential to Constitutionalism.


d) In order to make the constitution supreme limiting the power of Gov. is essential.
e) Limiting the power of Gov. is directly related to the unlimited scope of liberty.x
f) Rule of law, Limited Gov. or Constitutional Gov. is synonymous with constitutionalism.

Note: Having a constitution does not mean constitutionalism. Only the supremacy of the constitution established
Constitutionalism.

Judiciary

Election
Limited Gov.
Fundamental Rights

Constitution

Rule of law
1. Law is present everywhere in the world, but Rule of law only exists in the Democratic state.
2. Rule of law is opposite to Rule of Minister or Law of Ruler

3. Rule of law is very similar to the idea of a limited Gov. which is another name of constitutionalism.

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