Despite not being directly elected by the people, the Constituent Assembly represented the diversity of Indian society, including various communities and women.

• Representatives included Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.
• Notable Absence: Mahatma Gandhi did not participate in the Assembly.
• Prominent members included Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Cabinet Mission Plan laid the framework for the Constituent Assembly and proposed a plan to resolve communal differences.

• Rejected the demand for two separate Constituent Assemblies.
• Advocated for a united India with a federal structure.
• Empowered the Assembly to frame the Constitution.

• Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India)
• Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade)
• A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty)

• Devise a mechanism for the transfer of power to Indian hands.
• Maintain India’s unity while addressing communal tensions.
• Establish an interim government until independence was formalized.

• Formation of a Constituent Assembly:
  • Elected by provincial assemblies using proportional representation.
  • Total strength: 389 members (292 from provinces, 93 from princely states, 4 from chief commissioners’ provinces).
• Groupings of Provinces:
  • Group A: Hindu-majority provinces (Madras, Bombay, UP, Bihar, Central Provinces, Orissa).
  • Group B: Muslim-majority provinces (Punjab, NWFP, Sindh).
  • Group C: Bengal and Assam.
  • Provinces could opt out after the Constitution was framed.
• Union of India: Federation with Union Government handling defense, foreign affairs, communications.
• Interim Government: Comprising Indian leaders until final Constitution.
• Princely States: Free to join the Union or remain independent.

• Indian National Congress (INC): Accepted with reservations; opposed grouping of provinces.
• Muslim League: Initially accepted, later rejected after dispute over interim government.
• Princely States: Hesitant at first; some participated later.

• Aimed to maintain Indian unity while granting autonomy to provinces.
• Provided framework for Constituent Assembly.
• Marked the beginning of power transition from British to Indian leadership.

• Grouping of provinces seen as a step toward partition.
• Exacerbated communal tensions instead of resolving them.
• Ambiguity regarding princely states delayed their decisions.

• Failure to resolve INC–League differences led to partition.
• Superseded by the Mountbatten Plan (1947), paving way for India & Pakistan.

The Constituent Assembly of India was the cornerstone in the framing of the Indian Constitution. This body, composed of the brightest minds of the time, worked tirelessly over nearly three years to shape the framework of governance for independent India. Below is a detailed explanation of its functioning, key milestones, and legacy.

• First Meeting and Challenges: The first meeting was held on December 9, 1946, attended by 207 members. The absence of the Muslim League, which boycotted the process demanding a separate Pakistan, marked a significant challenge.
• Temporary Chairman: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, the oldest member, was elected as the temporary Chairman, following the French practice.
• Permanent Chairman and Vice-Presidents:
  • On December 11, 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent Chairman (President).
  • On January 25, 1947, H.C. Mukherjee was elected as the Vice-President.
  • On July 16, 1947, V.T. Krishnamachari was elected as the second Vice-President, reflecting the Assembly’s growing responsibilities.

1. Declaration of Sovereignty:— The Constituent Assembly resolved to declare India as an Independent and Sovereign Republic, and to frame a Constitution for its governance.
2. Union of Territories:— The Resolution proposed that:
   The Union would include the territories of British India, princely states, and any other regions willing to join the sovereign Indian Union.
3. Autonomous Units:— The territories forming the Union would:
   ● Retain autonomy within their boundaries.
   ● Hold residuary powers, except for those expressly assigned to or inherent in the Union government.
4. Power Derived from the People:— All power and authority of the Indian government and its constituent parts would derive solely from the will of the people.
5. Justice, Equality, Freedom:— The Constitution would ensure:
   ● Justice:— Social, economic, and political.
   ● Equality:— Of status, opportunity, and before the law.
   ● Freedom:— Of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association, and action, subject to public morality and law.
6. Protection for Vulnerable Groups:— Adequate safeguards would be provided for:
   ● Minorities, tribal and backward areas, and socially disadvantaged groups, including depressed classes.
7. Territorial Integrity & Sovereignty:— The Resolution affirmed:—
   ● Protection of the Republic’s territorial integrity.
   ● Sovereign rights over land, sea, and air, aligned with international law.
8. Global Role:— India would:
   ● Strive to attain its rightful position globally.
   ● Actively contribute to world peace and the welfare of humanity.

• After intense debates, the Objective Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
• It served as a guiding framework for shaping the Constitution and influenced its provisions.
• Its principles later found reflection in the Preamble and various parts of the Indian Constitution.
  ● Protection of the Republic’s territorial integrity.
  ● Sovereign rights over land, sea, and air, aligned with international law.
  ● Global Role and Peace Promotion:—
  India would:
  1. Strive to attain its rightful position globally.
  2. Actively contribute to world peace and the welfare of humanity.

• India to be an independent, sovereign republic.
• All citizens were to be guaranteed justice (social, economic, and political), equality, and liberty.
• The state would safeguard minorities, backward classes, and tribal areas.
• The Constitution would secure the dignity of individuals and the unity of the nation.
• India would strive to contribute to world peace and human welfare.

1. Guiding Framework:—
   ● It served as the philosophical foundation for the Indian Constitution.
   ● Many provisions in the Preamble and Fundamental Rights drew inspiration from this resolution.
2. Expression of Aspirations:—
   ● Articulated the vision of the Constituent Assembly for an independent and inclusive India.
   ● Unified diverse sections of Indian society under a common set of goals.
3. Democratic Principles:— Reaffirmed the commitment to democracy, equality, and justice, setting India apart from colonial rule.
4. National Unity:— Focused on safeguarding the interests of minorities and marginalized groups to ensure national integration.

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution incorporates the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity mentioned in the Objective Resolution.
• The commitment to sovereignty, democracy, and minority rights are central to both.

• Critics argue that the resolution lacked specifics on the nature of the economic system India would adopt.
• The promise of safeguarding minority rights was questioned by some members who felt that these provisions might hinder national unity.

• Initially, representatives from princely states refrained from joining the Constituent Assembly.
• By April 28, 1947, six states sent their representatives, and after the Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947, more princely states participated.
• Members of the Muslim League from the Indian Dominion also joined the Assembly.

1. Sovereignty of the Assembly:— The Assembly became a fully sovereign body with the authority to frame any Constitution. It could amend or repeal any laws made by the British Parliament regarding India.
2. Dual Role of the Assembly:— It was assigned two distinct functions:
   (a.) Constitution-making for free India.
   (b.) Legislative functions, enacting ordinary laws.
   Meetings as a Constituent Assembly were chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, while legislative meetings were chaired by G.V. Mavlankar. These roles continued until November 26, 1949, when the Constitution was finalized.
3. Change in Assembly Strength:— After the Muslim League members from Pakistan withdrew, the Assembly’s strength was reduced: From 389 to 299 members. Representation from provinces decreased from 296 to 229, and from princely states from 93 to 70.

• Ratified India’s Commonwealth membership in May 1949.
• Adopted the National Flag on July 22, 1947.
• Adopted the National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
• Adopted the National Song on January 24, 1950.
• Elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President of India on January 24, 1950.

• The Constituent Assembly held 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
• The makers referred to the Constitutions of about 60 countries, with the Draft Constitution debated for 114 days.
• The total cost of drafting the Constitution was ₹64 lakh.

• The Assembly held its final session on January 24, 1950, but did not dissolve.
• On the same day, 284 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the Constitution at the assembly’s last session. The Constitution was divided into 22 Parts, 395 Articles, and 8 Schedules.
• It transitioned into the Provisional Parliament of India on January 26, 1950, functioning until the formation of the first elected Parliament after the 1951–52 general elections.

1. Sovereignty of the Assembly
   ➤ The Assembly became a fully sovereign body, empowered to frame a Constitution without external interference.
   ➤ It could also abrogate or amend any British law concerning India.
2. Dual Function of the Assembly
   Constitution-Making Body: To draft the Constitution of independent India.
   Legislative Body: To enact ordinary laws for the nation.
   ➤ Chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad when acting as Constituent Assembly.
   ➤ Chaired by G.V. Mavlankar when acting as Legislative Assembly.
3. Reduction in Membership
   Following the partition, the Muslim League members from Pakistan withdrew.
   The Assembly’s strength was reduced from 389 to 299, with 229 seats for provinces and 70 for princely states.

• Inclusion of Princely States
  Initially, princely states abstained from joining the Assembly.
  By April 28, 1947, representatives from six princely states had joined.
  After the Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947), most princely states participated in the Assembly.

• Several committees were appointed by the Constituent Assembly to handle various aspects of the constitution-making process. Eight of these were significant committees, while the remaining ones were smaller ones. The following lists these committees’ names along with their chairs: