The Republic of India

A Republic is defined as a state in which power is held by the people through their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated head. The fundamental difference from democracy is Republic's dependency on supremacy of established rules or constitution. 

The Roman Republic of antiquity, which is referred to and considered one of the oldest Republics in the world, was in fact an oligarchy. Even before this Roman republic, there were many small and literal republics in Bhārat, called Mahajanapadas. These were interspersed with small kingdoms mainly in Gangetic plains and principally followed Vedic teachings as their constitution. The date of these Mahajanapadas is estimated between 600 BCE to 350 BCE.

In the later part of this period, as the techniques of war fighting evolved, the threat from the outsiders increased considerably. Coupled with the evolution in Vedic culture, due to external and internal influences, these independent republics gave way to large unified kingdoms or empires. Whereas, a few minute republics in Europe survived invasions, wars and time, the republics of Bhārat, disappeared completely.

Jump by more than 2300 years to year 1950 and we have Bhārat, once again, declared as a Republic. Before becoming a republic, needless to say, a state has to be democratic. In this case it happened about thirty years prior to becoming republic. The first modern period elections held in India for selecting representatives for the Legislative Council and Provincial Councils, as these were called then, were held exactly 100 years ago. This journey from a restricted democracy to Republic with universal suffrage across independence and instituting Constitution had poised us for a bright future. Are we on a right track?

Indian constitution was longest in the world when drafted and with more than 100 amendments (despite entrenchments), it is humongous now. Consequently, there are only few experts who can proclaim its complete knowledge. The debate restricted only to its basic structure and its applicability itself, is unending. Even Supreme court has been able to give its judgement, in cases related to these Constitutional traits, by thinnest possible majority.

Any discussion on our constitutional rights is bound to bring forth alternative arguments. The term “against basic structure of our constitution” and “violation of constitutional rights” has been invoked many times in last 70 years and more so in last 06 years. Often, the Judiciary, which is an integral part of Constitution, is called upon to pass a judgement on actual or perceived violations of constitutional laws. Many of these judgements have been quoted by even foreign Judiciary to adjudicate on their own constitutional matters.

In a republican democracy like ours, We the people, along with solemnly resolving to what’s constituted in the Preamble, also need to trust our own intellect and judgement, and have faith in decisions taken by the people governing on our behalf. No government or a human being is perfect. There are shortcomings in everyone and every thing including our dear residents of devlok. Similarly, a policy, no matter how encompassing it may appear, is not absolutely egalitarian. There would always be some who would gain more or earlier than others. That doesn’t mean, its terms have been manipulated to favour a few. We do want the government to live up to our trust and it is equally easy to be critical without being aware of complete and complex issues. 

Till the time basic principles of humanity, society and governance are not tempered with indiscriminately, the difference of opinion must be shared in a constructive manner. In case the government is found to wander off from these tenets, a complaint may be lodged and if need be, a protest may be resorted to without damaging property and denying right to livelihood to others. If all fails, the option to boot out ruling government is always available in next election. And that is possible, only if we supress the urge of voting in favour of those representing our religion and caste or in lieu of money and liquor. We must execute our most important constitutional right i.e. of universal suffrage, for common good without any bias.

In a nut shell, the Constitution of India, as far as keeping the state united and providing reasonable freedom to the citizens matters, has lived up to the expectations of its drafters and general public.

PS: The content and style of our constitution, which was either directly borrowed or adapted from many existing constitutions of various countries is also one of first and finest example of Indian Jugaad.