The constitution’s republic

On January 26, India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, a moment that recalls the historic adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 and its coming into force on January 26, 1950. The Indian Constitution is a remarkable synthesis, borrowing elements from both the French model and the Westminster parliamentary system, while adapting them to India’s unique social and political context. January 26 marked India’s transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic, guided by a document that remains one of the most ambitious experiments in democracy. Republic Day is not merely ceremonial. It is a reminder of the principles of liberal democracy that the framers envisioned with the words- equality, justice, secularism, and federalism. Yet, as India commemorates this milestone in 2026, questions loom large about how faithfully those principles are being upheld. Over the decades, the Constitution has undergone numerous amendments-some necessary, others controversial. Many have been far-reaching, reshaping the balance of power between Parliament and the judiciary, redefining federal relations, and testing the resilience of fundamental rights. Those familiar with the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973 , would recalled that this is the touchstone of constitutional jurisprudence. In that ruling, the Supreme Court declared that while Parliament possesses wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its “basic structure.” Judicial review, secularism, democracy, and federalism were identified as inviolable features. This doctrine has since served as the primary safeguard against legislative overreach, ensuring that the Constitution’s essential character cannot be dismantled by transient political majorities. Fast forward to 2026, the Basic Structure Doctrine continues to stand as a bulwark against attempts to dilute the spirit of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down amendments that threatened democratic integrity or judicial independence. Yet, the tension between Parliament’s authority and judicial oversight remains a defining feature of India’s constitutional journey. So far the Supreme Court has remained on track. However, the Modi government’s push for “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) exemplifies the debate. Supporters argue that synchronizing elections would reduce costs, curb populism, and bring stability to governance. Critics, however, warn that such reforms could weaken federalism by concentrating power at the center, undermining the diversity and autonomy that the Constitution was designed to protect. The controversy echoes earlier attempts at centralization, most notably the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976-often called the “Mini-Constitution”- which sought to tilt the balance decisively in favor of Parliament and the executive. In the light of the above, Republic Day, therefore, is not only about parades and patriotic fervor. It is a day to reaffirm the founding vision of the framers- that India’s strength lies in pluralism, checks and balances, and the rule of law. The Constitution was never meant to be static but was designed to evolve. However, evolution must not become erosion and amendments for refining governance, not hollow out democracy. As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, the challenge is clear- that the Constitution must remain a living document, adapting to new realities while preserving its core values. The Basic Structure Doctrine is not a barrier to progress but a safeguard against authoritarian drift. In honoring Republic Day, citizens of India must recommit to the ideals that transformed a newly independent nation into the world’s largest democracy-and ensure that those ideals endure for generations to come.