On January 26, India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day, marking over seven decades since the country adopted its Constitution and embarked on its journey as a democratic republic. The occasion is an opportunity to reflect not only on India’s evolution as a nation but also on the ongoing debate surrounding the safeguarding of the Constitution in both letter and spirit. When India became a republic in 1950, it was a newly independent nation grappling with the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and deep socio-economic inequalities. The vision set forth by India's founding fathers, encapsulated in the Constitution, was one of an inclusive and secular democracy that would prioritise justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. Over the years, India has made significant strides on various fronts, becoming one of the largest and most diverse democracies in the world. Economically, India has transformed from an agrarian economy to one of the fastest-growing economies globally. With the liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s, India has become a hub for technology, services, and manufacturing. The country has made impressive progress in key sectors like space technology, healthcare, education, and infrastructure and IT sector.
ALSO READ: Editorial | Ceasefire Between Hamas And Israel Brings Brief Relief Amid Ongoing Conflict
However, this progress has been accompanied by deepening disparities. While urban centres have seen rapid development, rural areas and marginalised communities continue to struggle with poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite the economic gains, India remains a country where millions still live below the poverty line, and social inequalities based on caste, gender, and religion continue to persist. India's Constitution is a remarkable document. It is one of the longest in the world and lays down the framework for governance, enshrining the principles of justice, liberty, and equality. It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, safeguards minority rights, and provides mechanisms for checks and balances through its separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Butas India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, there remains an ongoing debate about whether the Constitution is being safeguarded in both letter and spirit. Critics argue that certain developments in recent years suggest a departure from the original vision of the Constitution, particularly with respect to secularism, individual freedoms, and the independence of the judiciary. The rise of majoritarian politics, religious polarisation, and growing instances of intolerance have raised concerns about the future of India’s secular democratic fabric. There have been calls for greater protection of the Constitution against forces that seek to undermine its core principles.
The central question is: What does it mean to safeguard the Constitution in both letter and spirit? On one hand, the "letter" of the Constitution refers to the text itself, its provisions, and the laws derived from it. Over the years, successive governments have made amendments to the Constitution, reflecting the evolving needs of the country. The Indian judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, has played a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and upholding fundamental rights. However, there is growing concern about whether certain amendments or policies infringe upon the principles of equality, liberty, and justice as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution. On the other hand, safeguarding the "spirit" of the Constitution involves ensuring that its ideals are upheld in everyday governance. The spirit of the Constitution emphasises values like secularism, social justice, and the protection of individual rights. There is a sense that the current political climate, with growing polarisation and restrictions on free speech, is contrary to the inclusive and pluralistic vision of the Constitution. The increasing centralisation of power and undermining of autonomous institutions such as the judiciary and the press also raises questions about whether the spirit of the Constitution is being honoured.
As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, the nation must renew its commitment to the Constitution—not just in terms of its legal provisions, but in the values it represents. Ensuring the Constitution’s survival in both letter and spirit requires ongoing vigilance, active participation from citizens, and a political commitment to upholding its core principles. It is essential to safeguard the Constitution against those who seek to undermine it, while also addressing the challenges that persist in creating a truly just and equal society. Only then can India’s Republic Day truly celebrate the promise of a vibrant, pluralistic democracy that benefits all its citizens.