Constitutional Amendments

Behind the façade of nation-building, India's Constitution has been a battleground of power and control, manipulated by those at the helm. This book uncovers how the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty systematically used constitutional amendments to consolidate their authority, often at the expense of the democratic principles they claimed to uphold. From the First Amendment, which restricted freedoms under the guise of progress, to the 42nd Amendment, which marked the peak of Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule, this book explores the erosion of checks and balances and the abuse of amending powers to centralize control. Key court cases such as Golaknath and Kesavananda Bharati reveal how the judiciary fought back against these overreaches, often with limited success. The narrative shines a light on the Emergency, the suspension of fundamental rights, and the struggle between Parliament and the judiciary, exposing the relentless attempts by leaders to bend the Constitution to their will and formation of Janata Party - the first non-Congress Government and its attempt to restore democratic balance. ‘Constitutional Amendment’ is a critical examination of the darker side of India’s constitutional history, tracing how the very document meant to safeguard democracy was repeatedly exploited for political gain. This exploration highlights the recurring themes of authoritarianism and centralization that have threatened India's democratic ethos.