ABSTRACT

An analysis of selective aspects of India’s constitutional identity, this book provides an analytical account of the changing and changed texture of India’s constitutional identity bearing in mind the historical context in which it is articulated.

The book conceptualizes the gradual evolution of an idea by tracing the history of India’s constitutionalism with reference to its conceptual roots, historical antecedents and the landmark judicial pronouncements in which the concern for its retention and protection is always privileged. The author examines specific constitutional designs that the 1950 Constitution of India put in place and argues that constitutional identity, despite being drawn on specific constitutional provisions, is also changeable in view of the rapidly transforming socio-economic milieu. He demonstrates that there are numerous instances where India’s constitutional identity has undergone a metamorphosis in circumstances where newer politico-ideological values and norms are privileged.

A valuable addition to the literature on constitutionalism and constitutional practices in general and their manifestation in India's democratic experiences, in particular, this book will be of interest to academics in the fields of Government, Political Science, Law and Jurisprudence, Constitutional and Legal History and Asian Studies.

chapter |18 pages

Introduction

part A|56 pages

Conceptualizing constitutional identity in India

chapter 1|26 pages

Constitutional identity

The British liberal inputs

chapter 2|28 pages

Constitutional identity

The nationalist inputs

part B|66 pages

Comprehending constitutional identity

chapter 3|32 pages

Politico-ideological issues

chapter 4|32 pages

Politico-ideological structures

part C|82 pages

Reinforcing constitutional identity

chapter 5|23 pages

Challenges to Constitutional identity

The doctrine of basic structure of the Constitution

chapter 6|37 pages

Constitutional constructivism and justiciable designs of governance

Rearticulating constitutional identity

chapter |19 pages

Conclusion