{"id":161349,"date":"2025-04-07T19:46:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T14:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=current-affairs&#038;p=161349"},"modified":"2025-04-07T19:53:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T14:23:50","slug":"spirit-of-the-indian-constitution","status":"publish","type":"current-affairs","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/spirit-of-the-indian-constitution","title":{"rendered":"Spirit of the Indian Constitution"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the \u201c<\/span><b>Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8221; at the historic <\/span><b>150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He highlighted <\/span><b>&#8220;the spirit of the Indian Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to treat all citizens equally, provide them with equal opportunities, and <\/span><b>integrate the marginalized and backward sections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of society into the <\/span><b>&#8216;mainstream of progress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Spirit of the Indian Constitution<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Indian Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not just a legal document but embodies the <\/span><b>values, aspirations, and ideals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the nation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.7983%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>\u201cThe Constitution is not a mere lawyers&#8217; document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.\u201d \u2013 B R Ambedkar<\/b><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It reflects the <\/span><b>philosophy of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as enshrined in the <\/span><b>Preamble<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>spirit of the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lies in its <\/span><b>inclusive, welfarist, and democratic nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring <\/span><b>equal opportunities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for all citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Key Principles of the Constitution\u2019s Spirit<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-161329 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/71-67f3d1bab3bca.webp\" alt=\"Indian Constitution\n\" width=\"353\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/71-67f3d1bab3bca.webp 485w, https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/71-67f3d1bab3bca-199x300.webp 199w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sovereign<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India is free from external control and has supreme authority over its governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Socialist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Commitment to reducing inequalities (added by the <\/span><b>42nd Amendment, 1976<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Secular<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: No state religion; equal respect for all faiths (added by the <\/span><b>42nd Amendment, 1976<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Democratic<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Power rests with the people through elected representatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Republic<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Head of state (President) is elected, not hereditary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Justice (Social, Economic, Political)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Social Justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Removal of discrimination (e.g., <\/span><b>abolition of untouchability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under <\/span><b>Article 17<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Economic Justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reducing wealth disparities (e.g., <\/span><b>Directive Principles of State Policy &#8211; DPSPs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Political Justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Equal voting rights (<\/span><b>Universal Adult Franchise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Liberty (Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith, Worship)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guaranteed under <\/span><b>Fundamental Rights (Articles 19-22)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensures <\/span><b>freedom of speech, religion, and movement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Equality (Status &#038; Opportunity)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 14<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Equality before law.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 15<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prohibition of discrimination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 16<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Equal opportunity in public employment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Fraternity (Unity &#038; Integrity of the Nation)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotes <\/span><b>national integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>dignity of the individual<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reinforce this spirit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.698%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IPU, established in <\/span><b>1889, is the global organization of national parliaments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Vision<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A world where every voice counts, and where parliaments serve the people for peace and development.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Mission<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0 To promote <\/span><b>democratic governance, institutions, and values<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by:<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with <\/span><b>parliaments and parliamentarians<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responding to the <\/span><b>needs and aspirations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Headquarters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>Geneva<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Switzerland<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Offices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: New York (USA) and Vienna (Austria)<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 182 National Parliaments<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Associate Members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 15<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Founding member<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Financing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Primarily funded by <\/span><b>Member Parliaments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through <\/span><b>public funds<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Constitutional Provisions Reflecting the Spirit<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Fundamental Rights (Part III): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect individual freedoms (e.g., <\/span><b>Right to Equality, Freedom of Speech<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 32<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Right to Constitutional Remedies (<\/span><b>&#8220;Heart &#038; Soul of the Constitution&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): Welfare state principles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., <\/span><b>equal pay for equal work, free legal aid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 39A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Free legal aid for the poor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 51A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Duties like respecting the Constitution, promoting harmony.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Parliamentary Democracy &#038; Federalism: Balanced Centre-State relations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with <\/span><b>independent judiciary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as arbiter.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Judicial Review<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures constitutional supremacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Inclusive Growth &#038; Social Justice: Reservation policies (Articles 15(4), 16(4))<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for SCs\/STs\/OBCs.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#038; <\/span><b>Transgender Persons Act, 2019<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6993%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Instances of history when Indian constitutional values has been let down<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>The Emergency (1975\u201377) \u2013 Breakdown of Constitutional Morality<\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Indira Gandhi\u2019s government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> imposed <\/span><b>Emergency <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">under Article 352, suspending <\/span><b>Article 21 (Right to Life &#038; Liberty)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Article 19 (Freedom of Speech)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Civil liberties were suspended, press was censored, and opposition leaders were jailed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Shah Bano Case and Aftermath (1985\u201386) \u2013 Undermining Equality and Secularism<\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shah Bano, a Muslim woman, was granted alimony under <\/span><b>Section 125 of CrPC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supreme Court upheld her right, but the government overturned the judgment by enacting the <\/span><b>Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under political pressure.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Caste-Based Violence and Discrimination: Melavalavu Massacre (1997, Tamil Nadu)<\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elected Dalit panchayat president and five others were <\/span><b>brutally murdered by upper-caste individuals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The incident symbolized <\/span><b>deep-rooted caste hatred<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><b>failure of the State to protect Dalit representation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in democratic institutions.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Section 66A of the IT Act (2000) \u2013 A Blow to Freedom of Speech<\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Section 66A of the IT Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> criminalized vague online speech, leading to arbitrary arrests and stifling dissent.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was struck down in <\/span><b><i>Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for violating <\/span><b>Article 19(1)(a)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the Constitution.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Judicial Interpretations Strengthening the Spirit of the Indian Constitution<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Basic Structure Doctrine\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliament can amend the Constitution, but <\/span><b>cannot alter its &#8220;basic structure&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic structure includes: <\/span><b>Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Judicial Review, and Fundamental Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This ruling is a <\/span><b>safeguard against authoritarianism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and arbitrary power.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Preserves the integrity and spirit of the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Expanded Interpretation of Article 21 \u2013 Right to Life<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1978): Interpreted Article 21 to include <\/span><b>procedural due process<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right to life = not mere animal existence, but <\/span><b>dignified living<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Francis Coralie Mullin Case<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1981): Right to life includes <\/span><b>shelter, livelihood, health, education, and dignity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transformed Article 21 into a <\/span><b>reservoir of human rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Equality &#038; Social Justice<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (Mandal Case)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1992): Upheld <\/span><b>reservations for OBCs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under Article 16(4).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduced the <\/span><b>creamy layer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> concept to protect true beneficiaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>State of Tamil Nadu v. K. Shyam Sunder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2011): Upheld <\/span><b>uniform quality of education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as part of equality (Article 14).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aimed to <\/span><b>bridge social and educational disparities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emphasizes <\/span><b>inclusive development and affirmative action<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Public Interest Litigation (PIL) \u2013 A Social Revolution<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>S.P. Gupta v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1981): Relaxed the doctrine of locus standi, enabling <\/span><b>PILs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1984): Enforced <\/span><b>rights of bonded laborers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under Article 21.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1997): Laid down <\/span><b>guidelines against sexual harassment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the workplace.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PILs empowered courts to become <\/span><b>guardians of the voiceless and marginalized<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Environmental Justice<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>MC Mehta series of cases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Introduced <\/span><b>polluter pays principle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>precautionary principle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connected <\/span><b>right to a clean environment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with <\/span><b>Article 21<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reflected the spirit of <\/span><b>intergenerational equity and sustainable development<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Judicial Review and Constitutional Supremacy<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Minerva Mills v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1980): Reinforced the balance between <\/span><b>Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment as <\/span><b>violating the basic structure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2007): Judicial review extended to laws placed under the <\/span><b>9th Schedule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they violate fundamental rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensures <\/span><b>rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over legislative overreach.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Gender and LGBTQ Rights<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2018): <\/span><b>Decriminalized homosexuality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (struck down Section 377 IPC).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upheld <\/span><b>dignity, equality, and privacy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Joseph Shine v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2018): Struck down <\/span><b>Section 497 IPC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (adultery) as unconstitutional.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reinforced <\/span><b>individual rights, dignity, and progressive values<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Right to Privacy as Fundamental Right<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2017): Declared <\/span><b>Right to Privacy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as part of <\/span><b>Article 21<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foundation for <\/span><b>data protection and informational autonomy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evolved the Constitution to deal with <\/span><b>21st-century digital challenges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Secularism and Religious Freedom<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Shayara Bano v. Union of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2017): Declared <\/span><b>Triple Talaq<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> unconstitutional.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upheld <\/span><b>gender justice and equality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within the framework of religious freedom.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balanced <\/span><b>secularism, rights of minorities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>women\u2019s empowerment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Judiciary as Sentinel on the Qui Vive (Watchful Guardian)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Supreme Court in multiple cases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has stepped in where executive or legislative actions failed to uphold:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Social Justice<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Accountability<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Constitutional Governance<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Justice Bhagwati: <\/span><b>\u201cJudges must be judicial statesmen with a social vision and commitment to the Constitution.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Recent Legislative &#038; Policy Measures Reflecting Constitutional Spirit<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 \u2013 Criminal Law Reforms<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Replaces<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the colonial <\/span><b>Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focuses on: <\/span><b>Justice-oriented framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over punishment-centric law.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defines terrorism, organized crime, and hate crimes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Includes <\/span><b>victim-centric provisions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like zero FIR and mandatory forensic investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Strengthens justice delivery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, promotes <\/span><b>rule of law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, aligns with <\/span><b>constitutional morality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Replaces the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Key Reforms:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Mandatory forensic investigation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for crimes punishable by 7+ years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Digital FIRs &#038; Zero FIR<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to improve accessibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Time-bound trials<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (judgment within 45 days after arguments).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Constitutional Link:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensures <\/span><b>speedy justice (Article 21)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>police accountability.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Key Changes: Electronic records (emails, digital contracts) as primary evidence.<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Expands admissibility of digital evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., CCTV, social media posts).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthens <\/span><b>fair trial rights (Article 20, 21).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Prohibits discrimination<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in education, employment, healthcare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Mandates welfare measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., rescue, rehabilitation).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upholds <\/span><b>dignity (Preamble) &#038; equality (Articles 14-18).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman Campaign (2024)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Promotes constitutional awareness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., Preamble reading, legal literacy).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Sub-campaigns:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sabko Nyay, Har Ghar Nyay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (access to justice).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (legal rights awareness).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Constitutional Link:<\/b> <b>Citizen empowerment (Preamble, Article 51A).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (106th Constitutional Amendment), 2023<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reserves <\/span><b>33% seats for women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seen as a major step toward <\/span><b>gender justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>political empowerment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Ayushman Bharat \u2013 PM-JAY<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides <\/span><b>free health insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> up to \u20b95 lakhs to the bottom<\/span><b> 40% of India\u2019s population<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targets <\/span><b>universal health care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and inclusion of vulnerable populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expands definition of disability to include <\/span><b>21 conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides for <\/span><b>non-discrimination, accessibility, education, and employment opportunities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mandates <\/span><b>reservation in education and jobs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizes <\/span><b>transgender identity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and prohibits <\/span><b>discrimination<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mandates the government to ensure <\/span><b>welfare measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, education, and healthcare access.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Reflecting Constitutional Ideals through Parliamentary Committees<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Principle of Separation of Powers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the doctrine is not rigidly applied in India, Committees play a key role in maintaining <\/span><b>functional boundaries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between the legislature and executive.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through <\/span><b>oversight functions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they ensure the <\/span><b>executive remains answerable to the legislature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, preserving institutional checks and balances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) audits government expenditure using CAG reports, ensuring financial discipline.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Rule of Law: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committees scrutinize laws and executive actions, reinforcing that all actions must conform to the <\/span><b>Constitution and legal norms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their <\/span><b>non-partisan, evidence-based<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approach helps prevent arbitrary law-making and promotes <\/span><b>legislative integrity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Standing Committees often send Bills back with legal and constitutional concerns, leading to revisions or withdrawal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Democratic Ideals: Representation and Participation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committees include members from <\/span><b>across parties and states<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring broad-based <\/span><b>representation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reducing majoritarian dominance.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide a forum for <\/span><b>in-depth debate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, deliberation, and consultation, promoting <\/span><b>participative democracy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Deliberation in the Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution often involves civil society stakeholders and NGOs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Social Justice and Equality: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committees review <\/span><b>schemes and bills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> targeting weaker sections\u2014SCs, STs, OBCs, women, minorities\u2014aligning with the <\/span><b>constitutional mandate of justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (social, economic, political).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure <\/span><b>equitable allocation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of resources and scrutinize <\/span><b>affirmative action policies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes investigates implementation gaps in welfare schemes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Federalism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With members drawn from across states, Committees allow <\/span><b>regional concerns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to be voiced in national policy-making.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acts as a <\/span><b>bridge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between Centre and States in legislative matters, particularly in Union-State subjects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Department-related committees bring together MPs from all states to discuss centrally sponsored schemes, ensuring a federal lens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Transparency and Accountability: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committees foster <\/span><b>institutional accountability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by reviewing the functioning of ministries and departments.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their reports are laid before Parliament and are often debated, thus promoting <\/span><b>transparency in governance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Committee on Public Undertakings evaluates efficiency and integrity of PSUs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Constitutional Morality and Ethical Governance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage adherence to <\/span><b>constitutional values<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like fraternity, secularism, and probity in public life.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through <\/span><b>privileges committees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>ethics panels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they ensure that public representatives uphold the dignity of Parliament and public trust.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Challenges to the Constitutional Spirit<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Executive Dominance over Legislature<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Parliamentary Committees sidelined<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A declining trend in referring Bills to committees undermines detailed scrutiny and deliberation.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the <\/span><b>17th Lok Sabha (2019\u20132024)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>less than 16%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of bills were referred to committees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Ordinance route<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Frequent use of ordinances bypasses legislative debate, diluting parliamentary sovereignty (Article 123 misuse).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Whip culture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Stifles independent thought and reduces MPs to rubber stamps, contrary to the idea of <\/span><b>free and reasoned debate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Politicization and Partisanship<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committees often face <\/span><b>political bias in appointments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and functioning, limiting objective analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deliberations sometimes reflect <\/span><b>party lines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> instead of public interest, weakening the <\/span><b>non-partisan ideal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of committees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Lack of Binding Authority<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Committee <\/span><b>recommendations are advisory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, not binding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>executive may ignore suggestions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially if politically inconvenient, reducing committees to symbolic relevance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Poor Attendance and Lack of Debate<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many MPs <\/span><b>skip committee meetings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and discussions are not always substantive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affects the quality of reports and violates the principle of <\/span><b>effective legislative participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Judicial Overreach and Activism<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At times, courts are accused of encroaching into legislative and executive domains (e.g. guidelines issued in the absence of laws).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><b>disturbs the separation of powers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a basic structure of the Constitution) and reflects <\/span><b>judicial adventurism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, judicial intervention is sometimes necessary when other branches fail to act (e.g. Vishaka Guidelines, 1997).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Weakening of Federalism<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centralization of power (especially in fiscal matters post-GST and with central agencies) erodes <\/span><b>cooperative federalism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">States often lack a significant say in national policy decisions, which contradicts the <\/span><b>federal structure envisaged in the Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Inadequate Empowerment of Committees<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliamentary Committees <\/span><b>lack expert staff<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and technical resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many committee reports are <\/span><b>delayed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>lack follow-up action<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, undermining <\/span><b>accountability mechanisms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Undermining Institutional Ethics<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per <\/span><b>ADR (2024)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, over <\/span><b>44% of MPs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the current Lok Sabha face criminal charges, undermining institutional integrity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Ethics Committees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have limited enforcement powers, impacting the commitment to <\/span><b>constitutional morality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Public Apathy and Awareness Deficit<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citizens often lack awareness about <\/span><b>committee proceedings or their significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reduces <\/span><b>external pressure on the system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to maintain high standards of accountability and performance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Legislative Vacuum and Judicial Compensations<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In several areas (e.g., data protection, hate speech), <\/span><b>delay in legislative action<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has led to the judiciary stepping in.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite multiple SC observations (e.g., <\/span><b>criminal candidates, electoral bonds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), the <\/span><b>Parliament has not acted adequately<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leaving the judiciary to fill policy gaps.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Way Forward for Preserving the Constitutional Spirit<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Committee Systems Statutorily: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide <\/span><b>legal backing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Parliamentary Committees to ensure mandatory referral of major Bills and implementation tracking of recommendations.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Legal backing for mandatory scrutiny <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(e.g., UK\u2019s House of Commons Standing Orders mandate committee review for all Bills).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote Deliberative Democracy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure <\/span><b>mandatory debate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on key committee reports in Parliament; improve <\/span><b>public consultations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and expert inputs in committee processes.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Mandatory debate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on key reports (e.g., Sweden\u2019s Riksdag debates all committee findings).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balance Institutional Powers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enforce <\/span><b>institutional discipline<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to maintain separation of powers; judiciary must exercise <\/span><b>self-restraint<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and executive must uphold <\/span><b>parliamentary accountability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow UK\u2019s Ministerial Code, where ministers resign for misleading Parliament.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhance Transparency and Public Access: Live telecast or digital publication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of important committee proceedings can boost awareness and public pressure for ethical governance.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An example of <\/span><b>enhancing transparency is India&#8217;s Sansad TV,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which broadcasts live parliamentary proceedings and committee meetings to the public.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Curb Politicization and Ensure Ethical Oversight: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appoint <\/span><b>neutral chairpersons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, empower Ethics Committees, and crack down on <\/span><b>conflict of interest and absenteeism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among MPs.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopt Germany\u2019s Bundestag model, where senior MPs chair committees impartially.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Revive Federal Balance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen <\/span><b>Inter-State Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>GST Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensure states\u2019 participation in national decision-making, especially during crises.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>GST Council\u2019s consensus model<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> worked well initially\u2014expand it to health\/education policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Empower Citizens and Civil Society: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage <\/span><b>citizen-led audits, RTI activism, and PILs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to hold institutions accountable, ensuring constitutional ideals percolate to the grassroots.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>SC\u2019s Shreya Singhal (2015)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> struck down Section 66A IT Act due to PILs\u2014more such interventions needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>spirit of the Indian Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lies in its vision of a <\/span><b>just, democratic, and inclusive society<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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