The Constitution still thrives, let it show India the way

November 26, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The Indian government has announced plans for a special joint sitting of Parliament to commemorate the occasion. Amid celebrations, attention is drawn to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warning about the future challenges of implementing the Constitution, which continue to resonate today.

Dr. Ambedkar's Vision on Constitutional Democracy

• Ambedkar's Warning: Dr. Ambedkar, in his final speech before the adoption of the Constitution, highlighted that the success of the Constitution depended not only on its framework but on the moral character of those who would implement it. He warned that a good Constitution could fail in the hands of corrupt or incapable leaders, while a flawed Constitution could succeed with virtuous leadership.
• Contradictions Between Political and Social Equality: Dr. Ambedkar identified a major contradiction: while political equality was ensured by universal suffrage, social and economic inequality would persist due to the entrenched caste system and disparities in wealth. He foresaw this disparity as a challenge for India’s democratic journey, which would require a transformation in social structures to align with constitutional ideals.
• Fraternity and National Unity: Dr. Ambedkar stressed that fraternity, or a sense of common brotherhood, was essential for the Constitution’s success. Without it, liberty and equality would remain empty ideals, and social cohesion would be undermined. He warned that fraternity was necessary to unite India, where caste and religious divisions continued to dominate social life.

Progress Made Since Independence

• Advancements in Equality: India has made significant strides in promoting equality, notably through the abolition of untouchability and the introduction of affirmative action policies such as reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, despite these efforts, the task of achieving social and economic equality remains far from complete.
• The Issue of Caste and Fraternity: Although India has made progress in promoting fraternity through nation-building efforts, including moments of national solidarity, caste continues to be a major political and social resource. The extension of reservations to OBCs, intended to uplift marginalized groups, has inadvertently entrenched caste identities rather than diminishing them, hindering the realization of true fraternity.
• Challenges in Constitutional Governance: Despite the success of the Constitution in surviving political upheavals, there are growing concerns over the erosion of constitutional institutions, such as Parliament and the judiciary. The rise of "electoral autocracy" and pressures on democratic structures have led to warnings from international observers, signaling that the ideals of the Constitution are under threat.

Ambedkar's Enduring Legacy and the Path Ahead

• Irony in the BJP’s Celebration of the Constitution: It is noteworthy that the current ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which historically opposed the Constitution, is now celebrating its 75th anniversary. This reflects the Constitution’s resilience and the evolving political landscape, where even those who once rejected it are now its custodians.
• Institutional Weaknesses and the Role of the Judiciary: Dr. Ambedkar’s concerns about the potential decay of democratic institutions have come true to some extent, with pressures on the judiciary and diminishing parliamentary authority. This has raised questions about the Constitution’s ability to protect democratic values in the face of growing authoritarian tendencies.
• Reflection on Dr. Ambedkar’s Responsibility of Independence: Dr. Ambedkar’s concluding remarks about the responsibility of independence resonate today: the challenges India faces are no longer the fault of colonial rule but the responsibility of its citizens and leaders. In the 75th year of the Constitution, it is time for India to reflect on its progress and identify the changes necessary to fulfill the Constitution's vision.

Practice Question

Q. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of the Indian Constitution emphasized equality, liberty, and fraternity as inseparable principles. Critically examine the progress made by India in achieving these ideals 75 years after the adoption of the Constitution.