Q. Which of the following factors make the Indian Constitution more acceptable to the people at large?
1. National leaders proposed the subjection of constitution to referendum of people.
2. It was supported by popular leaders who enjoyed immense credibility.
3. Constitution was framed by representatives from all sections of Indian society.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Indian constitution was never subjected to referendum of people. It had the consensus and backing of popular leaders which makes it more effective. The people adopted it as their own by abiding by its provisions. Therefore, the authority of people who enacted the constitution made it more effective.
Statement 2 is correct. Indian constitution was drawn by the people who enjoyed immense public credibility and who had the capacity to negotiate and command the respect of a wide cross- section of society. It gives legitimacy and effectiveness to the Indian constitution.
Statement 3 is correct. Although the Constituent Assembly was not directly elected by the people of India on the basis of adult franchise, the Assembly comprised representatives of all sections of the Indian society– Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, SCs, STs including women of all these sections. The Assembly included all important personalities of India at that time, with the exception of Mahatma Gandhi. However, the critics charged that the Constituent Assembly was dominated by the Congress party. Granville Austin, an American Constitutional expert, remarked: ‘The Constituent Assembly was a one-party body in an essentially one-party country. The Assembly was the Congress and the Congress was India. In terms of political parties, the Congress occupied as many as eighty-two per cent of the seats in the Assembly after the Partition.’
