Evolving Constitutionalism and Contemporary Changes in India

The Indian Constitution is often described not merely as a legal document, but as a ’living organism.’ Since its adoption, it has navigated the turbulent waters of social upheaval, economic transformation, and shifting political landscapes. This volume, Constitution of India: Evolving Constitutionalism and Contemporary Changes in India seeks to map these changes, exploring how constitutionalism in India is evolving or, in some instances, being tested.

The genesis of this book lies in a simple yet profound question: How does a post-colonial constitution maintain its transformative character in an age of digital disruption, populist surges, and globalized crises? While the fundamental pillars of our democracy—liberty, equality, and fraternity—remain constant, their interpretations are in a state of flux. This edited collection brings together a diverse group of legal scholars, practitioners, and social scientists to dissect these shifts. From the nuances of judicial activism to the administrative pressures on federalism, each chapter offers a critical lens through which to view the resilience of the Indian state.

An edited volume is, by definition, a collaborative endeavour. We are thankful to Prof. (Dr.) Rose Varghese (Former Vice-Chancellor, NUALS, Kochi & Director, School. of Law, KIIT Bhubaneswar), Prof. (Dr.) M. Shahul Hameed, Director, AMU Centre, Malappuram, Kerala and Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Varghese (Formerly, Professor of Law, University of Delhi & Director, Research & Innovation, KIIT School of Law) for their valuable words of foreword and messages. We are deeply indebted to the contributors who have lent their expertise and rigorous research to this project. Their insights provide a kaleidoscopic view of the Indian constitutional journey—one that is fraught with challenges but anchored in hope.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the publishers, our family members and all those who supported through their efforts that made this volume possible.

It is our collective hope that this book serves as a valuable resource for students, academics, and policymakers. More importantly, we hope that it sparks a broader conversation among citizens, for, the ultimate custodian of the Constitution is “We, the People.”