The Indian Constitution: A Resource Guide on Republic Day 2025

As we celebrate Republic Day in 2025, it is a fitting occasion to reflect on the Indian Constitution—its historical roots, its achievements, and the challenges it faces today amidst an increasingly polarized political and cultural landscape. This analysis examines how the Constitution has stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, even as forces threaten its foundational principles.

Despite the growing influence of majoritarianism, there are reasons to remain cautiously optimistic. The Indian judiciary has repeatedly acted as a guardian of constitutional values. Civil society continues to rally for justice, independent journalists persist in uncovering the truth, and younger generations are stepping up with bold political engagement—all signs of a vibrant democratic spirit.

Yet, serious concerns persist. The rise of Hindu nationalism has tested the Constitution's commitment to secularism and pluralism. Instances of communal violence, restrictions on civil liberties, and attacks on press freedom have exposed the fragility of India's democratic fabric. These trends starkly contrast with the Constitution’s vision of an inclusive and equitable society.

Republic Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that India remains a democracy for all its people.

For current insights into how constitutional values are being upheld or challenged in contemporary India, Human Rights Watch provides detailed reports. Their 'World Report 2025: India' section offers an in-depth look at the human rights situation in India, which can be accessed at Human Rights Watch

Historical Evolution of the Indian Constitution

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a monumental task in the post-independence era, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, amidst a milieu of diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural demographics. The Constitution represented a departure from colonial rule and was envisioned as a framework to unify a fragmented society while acknowledging its inherent diversity. The Constituent Assembly debates provide rich insights into the philosophical underpinnings and pragmatic considerations that shaped the final document.

To explore the discussions and debates that led to the formation of the Indian Constitution, you can visit Constitution of India. This website provides access to the first 11 sittings of the Constituent Assembly Debates, which include important discussions and the Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru​​.

Key Achievements and Innovations

 Dr Ambedkar studied up to 60 constitutions before drafting the Indian Constitution. It took three years after 1947 independence to adopt the constitution because of this detailed research and study. One of the Indian Constitution's most significant achievements is its detailed and inclusive nature, particularly in guaranteeing fundamental rights and embedding principles of secularism and social justice. The Constitution was innovative in its approach to address India's deep-seated social hierarchies, evident in its affirmative action policies for marginalized communities. Its Directive Principles of State Policy were unique, providing a blueprint for a welfare state and reflecting the significant influence of Irish constitutional thought. 

The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy: This platform offers a range of policy analysis, research reports, and discussions relevant to India's political and policy landscape, including constitutional issues.

When compared with the U.S. Constitution, the Indian Constitution is more expansive, addressing specific social and economic rights, reflecting the influence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Unlike the American Constitution, which was amended several times to incorporate such rights, the Indian Constitution included them from inception. The South African Constitution, post-apartheid, shares a similar spirit with the Indian Constitution in its emphasis on human rights, equality, and inclusivity. However, the Indian Constitution stands out for its foresight in addressing issues of social inequality immediately in the post-colonial period.

Current Challenges and Concerns

The Indian Constitution faces a multitude of challenges in 2025, shaped by a political environment increasingly influenced by Hindu nationalism and policies that undermine its foundational principles of secularism, equality, and democracy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, the government has continued to promote divisive policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), both of which have been criticized for discriminating against minority communities.

The rise in majoritarianism has been accompanied by growing incidents of communal violence, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of press freedom. Reports of unlawful demolitions targeting Muslim communities, politically motivated prosecutions, and the misuse of counterterrorism laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act highlight the weakening of institutional checks and balances.

In regions like Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur, human rights violations remain alarming. Kashmiris continue to face restrictions on basic freedoms, while ethnic violence in Manipur has displaced thousands and deepened mistrust between communities. Across India, religious minorities, Dalits, and tribal groups face systemic violence, with vigilante attacks, caste-based discrimination, and state complicity becoming increasingly common.

Internationally, India’s human rights record has drawn criticism, with the European Parliament and the UN raising concerns about discrimination, violence, and the suppression of civil society. However, global strategic partnerships with India have often overshadowed these critiques.

Despite these challenges, India’s judiciary and civil society offer glimmers of hope. Courts have occasionally pushed back against government overreach, and grassroots movements, driven by activists, journalists, and younger generations, continue to fight for the Constitution’s promise of justice and equality for all. These efforts underscore the resilience of India’s democratic ethos amidst the ongoing struggle to protect its pluralistic identity.

Nalsar University of Law has an 'Online Course on Indian Constitution' in collaboration with the Ministry of Law and Justice. This course is an excellent resource to understand the constitutional values of India