Unit I: Introduction to the Indian Constitution

• Historical background: Constitutional developments in India.

• Constituent Assembly & drafting of the Constitution.

• Salient features of the Constitution.

• Preamble: Meaning, objectives, and judicial interpretation.

This class is designed for undergraduate law students, political science students, or anyone beginning their study of Indian Constitutional Law. It lays the foundation for understanding how India’s supreme law came into existence and why it continues to shape the country’s governance, rights, and democracy.

In this class, students will explore the historical background of constitutional developments in India, from colonial legislation like the Regulating Act of 1773 to the Indian Independence Act of 1947. They will also learn about the Constituent Assembly’s role in drafting the Constitution, the debates that influenced its framing, and the vision of leaders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The discussion will highlight the salient features of the Constitution, including its federal structure, parliamentary system, and balance of rights and duties. A key focus will be the Preamble—its meaning, objectives, and interpretation by the judiciary, with landmark cases such as Kesavananda Bharati and Berubari.

Students are expected to bring their bare act of the Constitution of India, along with a notebook for case references and discussion points. By the end of this session, they will be able to appreciate the origins, philosophy, and unique features of the Indian Constitution, setting the stage for deeper exploration of fundamental rights, governance, and judicial review.