Working a Democratic Constitution: The Indian Experience

This book offers a critical insight into four decades of the Indian constitution. It charts the course of constitutional reform in India from the euphoric idealism of the post-independence period, through the crisis-ridden years of the emergency, and up to Rajiv Gandhi’s brief stay in power. Written with transparent affection towards the Indian people, Working a Democratic Constitution represents an attempt at understanding the manifold trials and tribulations that have shaped India’s successful experience with democracy. It analyses the ways in which various legal and political issues, thrown up by the vicissitudes of democracy, have affected the making of the Indian constitution. The author invests great hope in the determined effort of the Indian people towards the goals of national unity, sound administration, liberty for all, and social justice through representative government. Relying on archival sources, first-hand interviews, and rare documentation by many of the key legal and political figures of the last fifty years. Austin tells a very human story of how the social, political and day-to-day realities and aspirations of people have guided the course of constitutional reform in India. He points out that this aspect of constitutional development demonstrates the success of India’s experience with democracy. Written with clarity and elegance, this book will be pleasurable for anyone interested in the recent political history of India, and in comparative constitutional law.