Different Sources of the Indian Constitution
The Constitution is a set of laws and rules. It establishes how a government works. It defines the relationships between different parts of the government, such as the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. It also outlines the roles of central and local governments.
The Indian Constitution is special in its content and spirit. It has borrowed many good features from other constitutions around the world. However, it has unique aspects that make it different from other countries’ constitutions1.
The Indian Constitution is a combination of many constitutions from different countries around the world. However, especially the Government of India Act, 1935, enacted by the British Parliament, is the main source of the Constitution of Independent India.
# Various Sources of the Indian Constitution List
| Sources/Countries | List of Borrowed Features |
| Government of India Act 1935 | » Federal structure » Judiciary System » Public Service Commission (PSC) » Emergency Provisions » The office of governor |
| Great Britain | » The parliamentary system of government » Rule of law and law-making system » Concept of single citizenship » bicameral parliament » Speaker of the lower house » Prime minister » President » Strong lower house » Writs |
| Soviet Russia | » Social, Economic, and Political Justice » Five-year plan » Fundamental duties |
| Ireland | » Members nominated by the President in the Rajya Sabha » Presidential Election Procedure » Guidelines for Governance of the State » Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) |
| Australia | » Concurrent List » Joint sessions in Upper and Lower houses » Freedom of trade between the states or within the country |
| Canada | » The federal system and the presence of strong centers – also known as a quasi-federal system. » Residuary powers of the Centre » Power distribution between the Centre and state governments |
| United States of America (USA) | » Preambles, » Fundamental Rights, » Independence of the Judiciary system, » Removal of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, » Vice-President as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, » Order of the State |
| South Africa | » Procedure for amending the constitution. » Election procedure of the Rajya Sabha members. |
| Germany | » Emergency provision, » Revocation of fundamental rights during an emergency |
| Sweden | » Lokpal Bill |
| Japan | » Rules of Procedure of the Supreme Court |
The Indian Council Act of 1892 established the provincial legislature and increased the power of the legislature.
Government of India Act 1935
Although the Government of India Act of 1935 was not fully implemented, the effect of this Act on the Constitution of India was significant. Many aspects of the Constitution are adopted directly from this Act.2
Why the Indian Constitution is not a bag of borrowing?
The Indian Constitution includes many ideas from other countries, but they are adapted to fit India’s needs. They are not copied exactly.
- The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world. Also, the Constitution of India is the largest written and bulkiest constitution in the world, with 448 articles, 22 parts, and 12 schedules3.
- The US Constitution has only 7 articles, and Australia’s has 128.
- India’s original Constitution had 395 articles, which have now grown to 448.
- The Indian Constitution is unique in its content and spirit.
- It was written keeping in mind India’s freedom struggle, its vast diversity, and its distinct culture, unlike any other nation.4
- The Indian Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly over two years, 11 months, and 18 days.5
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, responded to criticism by saying:
“Some say the Draft Constitution copied many provisions from the Government of India Act, 1935. I don’t deny it—and I make no apologies. Borrowing ideas is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not plagiarism. No one owns the basic principles of a Constitution….”
FAQs
Article 20 (Protection against unfair punishment)
Article 21 (Right to life & personal liberty)
Article 19 (freedoms like speech) can only be suspended in emergencies caused by war or external attack—not internal rebellion.
However, during President’s Rule (State Emergency), all Fundamental Rights remain active.
A federal system with a strong Centre
Division of powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists)
Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha (two-house Parliament)
Governor’s role & judiciary system
India also borrowed ideas from other countries:
UK – Parliamentary democracy, Cabinet system
USA – Fundamental Rights, Supreme Court’s power
Ireland – Directive Principles (DPSP)
Germany – Emergency provisions
Canada – Strong Central government
France – “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” (Preamble)
- https://gscepublications.com/gk/.pdf ↩︎
- https://cbc.gov.in/cbcdev/crown/crown7.html ↩︎
- https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in//2023050195.pdf ↩︎
- D.D. Basu’s “Introduction to the Constitution of India” ↩︎
- M. Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity” ↩︎