Which Amendment is Called the ‘Mini Constitution of India’?

The Indian Constitution is recognized for its flexibility as well as its comprehensive framework, which has seen numerous amendments as time has passed to accommodate changing social, political and economic conditions. 

One amendment is so significant that it has become known as the Mini-Constitution of India because this particular amendment dramatically changed and redefined the relationship between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, as well as the philosophy of the Constitution itself. 

Due to the significant number of provisions that were changed and the far-reaching effect of these changes, this amendment is consistently among the most often cited amendments in competitive examination papers and GK Sections.

Check Out: Amendments to the Constitution of India: List of first 10 amendments

Which Amendment is Called the ‘Mini Constitution of India’?

Known as the “Mini Constitution,” the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 was the greatest change to the Indian Constitution since its adoption in 1950, as it changed more parts of the Constitution than any other amendment at one time.

Among other changes made by this amendment were revisions to the Preamble, revisions to the Fundamental Rights, supporting the Directive Principles of State Policy, and restructuring the distribution of authority among various branches of government.

When Was the 42nd Amendment Passed?

The Mini Constitution of India is another name for the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which was passed by Parliament in 1976 when India was under National Emergency (1975-1977) and led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Why Is the 42nd Amendment Called the “Mini Constitution”?

Extensive Scope of Changes

The amendment included a multitude of diverse changes to numerous articles and schedules at once; this also involved more changes to the structure of governance, the preamble, and fundamental rights than any other amendment had done.

Redefined the Preamble

Text added by the amendment is the three terms, socialist, secular, and integrity; these three words have defined India’s ideological basis and have further supported the constitutional goal of guaranteeing our unity and justice.

Shift in Power Balance

The amendment decreased power from the Judiciary to the Parliament in times of emergency and increased Parliament’s authority.

Strengthened Directive Principles

The amendment granted greater importance to the Directive Principles of State Policy with the intention of providing for social and economic justice, even in cases of apparent conflict with the Fundamental Rights.

Introduction of Fundamental Duties

The Amended Constitution introduced the concept of “Fundamental Duties” as part of the Indian Constitution, describing the moral and civic obligations of citizens to the Nation, the Unity of India and the Cultural Heritage and Goals of the Constitution.

Impact on Democratic Structure

By increasing terms of the Legislature and concentrating power in the Centre, the amendment produced radical changes to the democratic structure of India and as such has been called the Mini Constitution of India.

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