First Constitutional Amendment?
VerifiedAnswer: 1951
Explanation:
The First Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951 holds great significance in Indian history as it was the very first change made to our Constitution after it came into effect on January 26, 1950. This amendment was introduced barely a year after India became a republic, showing how quickly the need for constitutional adjustments became apparent.
The amendment was primarily brought about due to practical challenges faced by the government in implementing land reforms and dealing with certain court judgments. The Supreme Court had struck down several state laws related to land acquisition and redistribution, which were essential for addressing rural poverty and feudal practices. The government realized that some constitutional provisions needed modification to enable effective governance.
The key features of this amendment included several important changes:
• Addition of the Ninth Schedule to the Constitution, which contains laws that cannot be challenged in courts on the ground of violating fundamental rights
• Modification of Articles 15 and 19 to allow the state to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes
• Changes to land acquisition laws and validation of certain state acts related to land reforms
• Restrictions on freedom of speech and expression by adding "public order" as a ground for reasonable restrictions
The creation of the Ninth Schedule was particularly significant as it provided constitutional protection to laws dealing with land reforms, which were crucial for India's agricultural and social transformation. This schedule initially contained 13 acts, though many more have been added over the years through subsequent amendments.
The amendment also addressed the balance between individual rights and collective welfare, a challenge that many young democracies face. It demonstrated that the Constitution was designed to be a living document that could adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its core principles.
Understanding the First Constitutional Amendment helps us appreciate how India's legal framework evolved to meet practical governance needs while trying to maintain the delicate balance between individual freedoms and social justice. This amendment set the precedent for future constitutional changes and showed that even fundamental documents need periodic updates to remain relevant and effective.
