The first amendment of Indian Constitution was enacted in 1951 by the Provisional Parliament. Important Amendments in Indian Constitution have shaped its democratic structure, such as the 42nd amendment, 7th amendment, 21st amendment and 44th amendment, which gave the right to property.
The Constitution of India is a living and evolving framework that adapts to the changing political needs of society. After it was adopted in 1949, India has evolved socially, politically, and economically. Therefore, the Constitution has been amended 106 times to make it flexible as per the evolving needs of society. Constitutional amendments help maintain a balance between stability and flexibility, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant without losing its core values. Many important Amendments of Indian Constitution have shaped the country’s political system, such as the 42nd Amendment, which is also known as the mini constitution due to the introduction of profound changes in the Indian Constitution.
The first amendment of Indian Constitution was enacted in 1951 by the Provisional Parliament. It introduced major changes to land reform laws by creating the Ninth Schedule. It placed restrictions on freedom of speech and empowered the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. Amendments are enacted by a minister's initiation process by a minister. The amendment bill then goes for ratification by the legislature, and finally, it goes to the President for approval.
What is Indian Constitution?
The Constitution of India is the supreme legal framework of the country, which was adopted on 26 November 1949. It is the longest written constitution in the world, and it defines the framework for India's parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights and duties of citizens. The Indian Constitution structures the government's powers, laws and procedures. It creates a federal system with strong unitary features. The Constitution of India comprises three structures, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. The Preamble of Indian Constitution is the opening statement of the Indian Constitution, defining the nation as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
What is the Procedure for Amendment of Indian Constitution?
The procedure for amendment of Indian Constitution is given in Article 368. It involves initiation through a bill in the Parliament House; the bill then passes by a special majority in each house and receives ratification by at least half the states for federal issues. Let’s take a look at the procedure for amendment of Indian Constitution: -
1. Initiation
The first process of amendment of Indian Constitution is introducing a bill in the Parliament. The constitutional amendments bill can be introduced by a minister or a private member and does not require prior permission from the President.
2. State Ratification
For constitutional amendments affecting the federal structures, such as the election of President, the Supreme Court or the High Court provisions, the distribution of powers, ratification by the legislatures of at least half the states is required by a simple majority.
3. Presidential Approval
Once the bill is passed by Parliament and ratified by states, if necessary, the constitutional amendment bill is presented to the President, who must give their assent or approval. The President can’t withhold or return the bill, and after their assent, the amendment bill becomes an act.
Types of Amendment of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution provides three types of amendment of Indian Constitution as per Article 368. It includes a simple majority of Parliament, a special majority of Parliament and a special majority plus ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. Let’s take a look at the three types of amendment of Indian Constitution: -
1. Amendment by Simple Majority
Many constitutional amendments can be amended by a simple majority, which requires more than 50% of members present and voting in each house of Parliament. This is similar to ordinary lawmaking.
2. Amendment by Special Majority of Parliament
This method applies to most parts of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, under Article 368 of the Constitution of India. It requires a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
3. Amendment by Special Majority with State Ratification
Constitutional provisions affecting the federal structure require a special majority in Parliament, along with ratification by at least half of the state legislatures by a simple majority. Some examples are the election of the President and the distribution of legislative power.
List of All Important Amendments of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution has been amended 106 times. The latest amendment in indian constitution is the 106th Amendment Act of 2023, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which mandates one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly. Important Amendments in Indian Constitution have shaped its democratic structure, such as the 42nd constitutional amendment, which is also known as the Mini Constitution and the 44th amendment, which gave the right to property. Let’s take a look at the list of all important amendments of the Indian Constitution: -
| List of Important Amendments of Indian Constitution |
| Amendment |
Year |
Key Provision |
| 1st |
1951 |
Added the 9th schedule to protect land reform laws from judicial review |
| 7th |
1956 |
Reorganized states on a linguistic basis and abolished Class A, B, C, and D states |
| 21st |
1967 |
Added sindhi language to the 8th schedule |
| 24th |
1971 |
Affirmed Parliament's power to amend any part, such as fundamental rights |
| 36th |
1975 |
Made Sikkim a full-fledged state of the Indian Union |
| 42nd |
1976 |
Added ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, ‘Integrity to the Preamble and added fundamental duties |
| 44th |
1978 |
Reversed some 42nd amendment changes, removed the right to property as a fundamental right and made it a legal right |
| 52nd |
1985 |
Added the 10th schedule, such as the anti-defection law |
| 61st |
1989 |
Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 for Lok Sabha and assembly elections |
| 73rd |
1992 |
Gave constitutional status to panchayati raj institutions |
| 74th |
1992 |
Gave constitutional status to urban local bodies such as municipalities |
| 86th |
2002 |
Made free and compulsory education between age 6 and 14 years a fundamental right |
| 101st |
2016 |
Introduced the Goods and Services Tax |
| 102nd |
2018 |
Gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backwards Classes |
| 103rd |
2019 |
10% Economically Weaker Sections reservation |
| 104th |
2020 |
Extended the SC/ST reservation in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, and removed the Anglo-Indian reserved seats |
| 106th |
2023 |
Women's Reservation Act as per 1/3rd seats for women in the Lok Sabha/Assemblies |
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the nation, which provides fundamental principles, structure to the government and guarantees the right to it’s citizens. Since its adoption, many amendments have been enacted to make the Indian Constitution flexible as per the evolving needs of society. Some of these important amendments of the Indian Constitution are the 42nd Amendment. It is also known as the mini constitution due to the introduction of profound changes in the Indian Constitution along with the First Amendment Act of 1951, which introduced major changes for land reform laws by creating the Ninth Schedule.