The Indian Constitution is a unique document that incorporates features from various countries to create a governance framework suited to India’s diverse society. It is often referred to as a “bag of borrowings”, but this adaptation was a strategic move to ensure a strong, democratic, and inclusive governance system. The framers of the Constitution studied global practices to integrate the best elements into the Indian polity.

Key Sources of the Indian Constitution

The Sources of the Indian Constitution have been derived from various global influences. Many provisions have been borrowed from different countries to establish a well-structured governance system in India.

1. Government of India Act, 1935

The Government of India Act, 1935, played a crucial role in shaping the Sources of the Indian Constitution. Many administrative and governance-related provisions were directly borrowed, including:

• Federal Scheme – Division of powers between the Centre and States
  
  
• Office of Governor – Appointment and powers of state governors
  
  
• Judiciary – Structure and functioning of courts
  
  
• Public Service Commissions – Establishment of UPSC and State PSCs
  
  
• Emergency Provisions – Rules for handling national emergencies
  
  
• Administrative Details – Governance procedures for various institutions

2. British Influence on the Indian Constitution

One of the major Sources of the Indian Constitution is the British parliamentary system, ensuring a democratic government. Key features adopted include:

• Parliamentary Government – Elected representatives form the government
  
  
• Rule of Law – Law applies equally to all citizens
  
  
• Legislative Procedure – Guidelines for passing laws
  
  
• Single Citizenship – All Indians have a common national identity
  
  
• Cabinet System – Ministers responsible for policymaking and execution
  
  
• Prerogative Writs – Power of courts to enforce fundamental rights
  
  
• Parliamentary Privileges – Special rights for MPs
  
  
• Bicameralism – Two houses in Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
  
  

3. American Contributions to the Indian Constitution

The Sources of the Indian Constitution also include several elements from the U.S. Constitution, such as:

• Fundamental Rights – Protection of civil liberties
  
  
• Independence of Judiciary – Separation of powers between judiciary and executive
  
  
• Judicial Review – Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws
  
  
• Impeachment of the President – Removal process of the President
  
  
• Removal of Supreme Court & High Court Judges – Defined procedures
  
  
• Post of Vice President – Role similar to the U.S. Vice President
  
  

4. Irish Influence: Directive Principles and Presidential Elections

Ireland contributed to the Sources of the Indian Constitution, particularly in:

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Establishing social and economic justice
  
  
• Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha – Appointment of distinguished individuals
  
  
• Method of Election of President – Indirect election process
  
  

5. Canadian Features in the Indian Constitution

Several Sources of the Indian Constitution are derived from Canada, including:

• Strong Central Government – Centre has more authority than states
  
  
• Residuary Powers – Powers not mentioned in the Constitution rest with the Centre
  
  
• Appointment of State Governors by the Centre – Central government controls gubernatorial appointments
  
  
• Advisory Jurisdiction of Supreme Court – Government can seek legal advice from the Supreme Court
  
  

6. Australian Influence: Federalism and Legislative Procedures

Australia has also contributed to the Sources of the Indian Constitution, including:

• Concurrent List – Subjects on which both Centre and States can legislate
  
  
• Freedom of Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse – Ensuring free trade across India
  
  
• Joint Sitting of Parliament – Resolving deadlocks between the two Houses
  
  

7. German Contribution: Emergency Provisions

Germany has influenced the Sources of the Indian Constitution, particularly in:

• Suspension of Fundamental Rights During Emergency – The government can limit fundamental rights in a national crisis
  
  

8. Russian Influence: Fundamental Duties & Justice Ideals

The Soviet Union (Russia) has played a significant role in shaping the Sources of the Indian Constitution, including:

• Fundamental Duties – Citizens’ responsibilities towards the nation
  
  
• Justice Ideals in the Preamble – Social, economic, and political justice
  
  

9. French Influence: Republicanism and Democratic Values

France contributed to the Sources of the Indian Constitution, particularly in:

• Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – Ideals enshrined in the Preamble, promoting democracy, secularism, and human rights
  
  

10. South African Contributions

India borrowed constitutional amendment procedures and Rajya Sabha election methods from South Africa, forming crucial Sources of the Indian Constitution. These provisions help in smooth legislative functioning and political representation.

11. Japanese Contribution: Legal Framework

One of the notable Sources of the Indian Constitution from Japan is:

• Procedure Established by Law – Ensuring that laws passed by the legislature are valid, even if they violate fundamental rights
  
  

These Sources of the Indian Constitution highlight India's diverse legal influences, making it a unique and comprehensive governance framework.

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution is a fusion of the best global practices, tailored to suit India’s needs. By incorporating diverse features from multiple countries, it ensures a balanced governance model that upholds democracy, justice, and fundamental rights. This approach makes it a dynamic and adaptable document, capable of evolving with time.