Nature of the Constitution– Constitutional Law Notes – Law Tribune

In unitary (एकात्मक) form of government, the power is held by one central authority. (Power is placed in one central governing system)

In federal (सांघिक/संघराज्य) form of government, power is divided between one central and several regional authorities. (Power and responsibilities are shared between national and local levels.)

What is the nature of The Indian Constitution ?

Constitutional jurists have different opinons.

One view is that it is a quasi-federal constitution and contains more unitary features than federal. Other view is that it is federal.

The view of the framers is that the Indian Constitution is a federal Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, has also expressed that, in spite of the fact that many powers have been given to central, it is Federal Constitution.

So, it is necessary to know essential characteristics of federal Constitution.

1. Distribution of powers.

2. Supremacy of Constitution.

3. A written Constitution.

4. Rigidity

5. Authority of Courts.

Provisions which modify the strict application of the federal principle.

1. Appointment of Governers (Articles 155 & 156)

2. Parliament’s power to make law on the subjects in the State list.

3. Parliaments power to form new States and alter boundaries of existing

    States. (Articles 2 & 3)

4. Emergency provisions : Articles 352, 356 & 360

In short it may be concluded that, The Indian Constitution is neither purely federal nor purely unitary but, it is  a combination.