The Constitution of India, the longest written constitution in the world, stands as a testament to the nation’s democratic spirit and inclusive governance. Despite its vast and detailed nature, the Constitution has is known to be of a flexible nature, adapting to changing times through a series of amendments. This dynamism has allowed it to address socio-political challenges, reform governance structures, and uphold justice for all.
Since its adoption in 1950, the Indian Constitution has undergone 106 amendments as of August 2024. The most recent, the 106th Amendment, was enacted in 2023 to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Below is a list of significant constitutional amendments every student should know, reflecting key moments in India’s constitutional evolution.
Here are key amendments to the Constitution made since the 1950
7th Amendment, 1956: Reorganisation of States
This amendment restructured the Indian states along linguistic lines, replacing the classification of states into Class A, B, C, and D. It introduced the concept of Union Territories and adjusted several constitutional provisions, paving the way for more cohesive state governance. The amendment was instrumental in resolving demands for linguistic statehood, such as Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers.
24th Amendment, 1971: Parliament’s Power over Fundamental Rights
The 24th Amendment empowered Parliament to dilute or amend fundamental rights, as necessary, through constitutional amendment bills. It made it obligatory for the President to give assent to such bills, ensuring a smoother process for constitutional changes. This amendment emerged in response to judicial challenges to Parliament’s authority, particularly after the Kesavananda Bharati case.
36th Amendment, 1975: Sikkim Becomes a State
This amendment granted full statehood to Sikkim, integrating it as the 22nd state of the Indian Union. It introduced Article 371F to protect Sikkim’s unique socio-political and cultural practices, ensuring a smooth transition into the Union.
39th Amendment, 1975: Judicial Immunity for Top Offices
The 39th Amendment insulated elections of the Prime Minister and key officials from judicial scrutiny. Enacted during the Emergency, it primarily shielded Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s controversial election victory in 1971 from judicial invalidation. This amendment curtailed the judiciary’s ability to review electoral disputes related to top constitutional offices.
42nd Amendment, 1976: Preamble Changes and Centralization of Power
Dubbed the “Mini Constitution,” this amendment redefined the Indian Constitution during the Emergency. It added “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” to the Preamble and introduced fundamental duties for citizens. Additionally, it curtailed judicial review and centralized power with the Union government, raising significant concerns over checks and balances.
52nd Amendment, 1985: Anti-Defection Law
The 52nd Amendment introduced the Tenth Schedule, codifying the anti-defection law. It aimed to curb political instability by disqualifying Members of Parliament and State Legislatures who defect from their political parties. This step ensured greater party discipline and reduced opportunistic politics.
61st Amendment, 1989: Lowering Voting Age
This amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, expanding the democratic participation of India’s youth. It empowered millions of young citizens, recognizing their role in shaping the nation’s future.
65th Amendment, 1990: SC/ST Commission
The 65th Amendment elevated the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to a statutory body with constitutional authority. This change strengthened the Commission’s ability to address discrimination and ensure the welfare of marginalized communities.
73rd Amendment, 1993: Panchayati Raj
This landmark amendment introduced the Panchayati Raj system, institutionalizing grassroots governance in India. It added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, granting constitutional status to village-level administration and promoting participatory democracy.
86th Amendment, 2002: Right to Education
This amendment made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years by adding Article 21A. It also redefined the directive principles to prioritize early childhood care and education, emphasizing the importance of universal literacy.
93rd Amendment, 2005: OBC Reservation in Education
The 93rd Amendment enabled the provision of 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions, furthering the goal of social justice and inclusivity in higher education.
101st Amendment, 2016: Goods and Services Tax (GST)
This amendment introduced the GST, a unified tax system replacing multiple indirect taxes. By adding Article 246A and creating a GST Council, it streamlined India’s taxation structure, boosting economic efficiency and inter-state trade.
103rd Amendment, 2019: Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections
The 103rd Amendment provided 10% reservation in education and public employment for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society, excluding those already benefiting from other reservations. It aimed to address economic disparities without altering existing quotas.
106th Amendment, 2023: Women’s Reservation
This historic amendment reserved one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, marking a significant step toward gender equality in political representation. It reflects India’s commitment to empowering women in governance.
What are some of the most important revisions made to the Constitution of India?
Here’s an overview of important amendments to the Indian Constitution
| Amendment | Provisions | Year |
| 7th | Reorganised states, abolished class-based states, introduced Union Territories | 1956 |
| 24th | Allowed Parliament to dilute fundamental rights, made President’s consent mandatory for amendments | 1971 |
| 36th | Made Sikkim a state, amended certain articles and schedules | 1975 |
| 39th | Protected PM’s election from judicial scrutiny, restricted judicial review | 1975 |
| 42nd | Restricted fundamental rights, introduced fundamental duties, redefined structure during Emergency; amended Preamble | 1976 |
| 52nd | Introduced anti-defection law for MPs/MLAs | 1985 |
| 61st | Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years | 1989 |
| 65th | Formed National Commission for SC/ST | 1990 |
| 73rd | Introduced Panchayati Raj for local administration | 1993 |
| 86th | Made education a fundamental right for children 6-14 years | 2002 |
| 93rd | Allowed 27% OBC reservation in educational institutions | 2005 |
| 101st | Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) | 2016 |
| 103rd | Provided 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections | 2019 |
| 106th | Reserved one-third of Lok Sabha and assembly seats for women | 2023 |
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