The Indian Constitution, serving as the supreme law, provides a comprehensive framework for governance, fundamental rights, and a separation of powers.
There are two handcrafted constitutions of India, one in Hindi and the other in English, distinguished by the exquisite calligraphy and artwork adorning their pages. The bond paper for the original manuscript was supplied by the Handmade Paper Institute in Pune, associated with the Swadeshi movement and Mahatma Gandhi.
Prem Behari Raizada dedicated nearly six months in the Constitution Hall (now the Constitution Club of India, Delhi) to meticulously write the original draft, spanning over 250 large folio pages. On the last page, Raizada included his own name alongside that of his grandfather Brij Behari. The intricate illustrations by Nandalal Bose draw inspiration from Indian classical art and cultural motifs, showcasing the rich culture and history of the country.
To preserve the original handwritten manuscript, the Government of India commissioned 1,000 photolithographic reproductions from the handcrafted original, with the first one being safeguarded by the Dehradun-based Survey of India.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949. This day is celebrated annually as ‘National Law Day.’ The Assembly reconvened on January 24, 1950, to allow the 284 members to sign the document. Two days later, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into effect, signifying India’s transition to a Republic.
Both handcrafted constitutions, in English and Hindi, are presently housed in special helium cases at the Library of the Parliament of India (old building at the time of publishing).
Info: Courts of India Past to Present by Supreme Court of India
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