Question

Which Constitutional Amendment Act is often referred to as the "Mini-Constitution" due to the extensive changes it introduced to the Indian Constitution?

• A. 44th Amendment Act, 1978
• B. 52nd Amendment Act, 1985
• C. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
• D. 86th Amendment Act, 2002

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976

• Historical Context: Enacted during the Internal Emergency (1975–1977) by the Indian National Congress government led by Indira Gandhi.

• Why 'Mini-Constitution': It is termed the 'Mini-Constitution' because it brought about the most comprehensive and significant changes to the original document, affecting almost every part of the Constitution.

• Key Modifications:

  • Preamble: Three new words were added to the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.

  • Fundamental Duties: Part IV-A (Article 51A) was added for the first time, incorporating ten Fundamental Duties for citizens.

  • Directive Principles: Three new Directive Principles were added (Articles 39, 39A, and 48A).

  • Parliamentary Sovereignty: The amendment sought to give the Parliament supremacy by curtailing the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

  • Emergency Powers: It gave the central government more power to deal with 'anti-national activities' and extended the duration of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 5 to 6 years.