Borrowed Features of Indian Constitution, Check Features and Sources

Borrowed Features of Indian Constitution: The Indian Constitution is called a "Bag of Borrowings" because it takes ideas from many other countries’ constitutions. The makers of our Constitution, especially Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, chose the best parts from different countries and changed them to fit India’s needs. For example, we took the idea of Fundamental Rights from the U.S. Constitution and the Parliamentary System from the British Constitution. This helped make our Constitution strong, detailed, and suitable for a diverse country like India. It is both flexible and stable, allowing it to grow with time while protecting the rights of the people.

Why are the features borrowed?

Here are the reason behind the borrowing the features of Indian constitution: 

• Adaptation to Indian Context: The borrowed features were not copied blindly. They were carefully studied, changed, and then added to suit India's unique situation. India is a land of many languages, religions, and cultures, so the Constitution had to reflect that.

• Comprehensive and Detailed: The Indian Constitution is the most detailed constitution in the world. It originally had 395 articles and now has 448, making it much longer than the US Constitution with only 7 articles and the Australian Constitution with 128 articles. This level of detail was necessary to cover the many challenges and needs of a large and diverse country like India. The aim was to make sure all important matters—like rights, duties, laws, and government powers—were clearly explained for smooth functioning.

Main Borrowed Features and Their Sources

When creating the Indian Constitution, experts carefully picked the best ideas from other countries to suit India’s needs. They adapted features from nations like the US, UK, and Australia, blending them into a strong and well-rounded document for our diverse society. Here are details below: 

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Explanation of Key Borrowed Features

The Indian Constitution includes several important features taken from other countries, each chosen for its usefulness. These borrowed ideas were adjusted to fit India’s system and help run the country smoothly and fairly.

From the British Constitution

• Parliamentary System: India follows the Westminster model, where the executive is responsible to the legislature.

• Rule of Law: Everyone, including the government, is subject to the law.

• Single Citizenship: All Indians are citizens of India only, not of individual states.

• Cabinet System and Bicameralism: Existence of two houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), and a cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.

 From the US Constitution

• Fundamental Rights: Guaranteed rights to citizens, similar to the US Bill of Rights.

• Judicial Review: Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

• Impeachment: Procedure to remove the President.

• Preamble: The introductory statement of values and objectives.

 From the Irish Constitution

• Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for the government to establish social and economic democracy.

• Election Methods: President's election and Rajya Sabha nominations.

 From the Canadian Constitution

• Federal Structure: Strong central government, with residuary powers resting with the center.

• Appointment of Governors: Governors of states are appointed by the center.

From the Australian Constitution

• Concurrent List: Subjects on which both center and states can legislate.

• Joint Sitting: Provision for joint sittings of both houses to resolve legislative deadlocks.

From the Weimar Constitution of Germany

• Emergency Provisions: Powers to suspend rights and alter governance during national emergencies.

From the USSR (Russia)

• Fundamental Duties: Duties of citizens towards the nation.

• Ideals of Justice: Social, economic, and political justice in the Preamble.

From France

• Republican Ideals: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and the concept of a Republic.

From South Africa

• Amendment Procedure: The process for amending the Constitution.

• Rajya Sabha Elections: Election of members to the upper house.

From Japan

• Procedure Established by Law: Legal procedures must be followed for depriving a person of life or personal liberty.

From Government of India Act, 1935

• Administrative Structure: Federal scheme, office of Governor, emergency provisions, and more.

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Unique Adaptation

Even though the Indian Constitution borrowed many ideas from other countries, it is not just a copy of them. The makers of the Constitution carefully changed and shaped these ideas to match India’s special needs, culture, and problems. They made sure that everything in the Constitution fits well with India’s way of life. This made the Indian Constitution unique and different from all others, even though it has borrowed parts.