Article 1 of the Indian Constitution
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution establishes the country’s official name, territorial composition, and political structure. It identifies India, also called Bharat, as a “Union of States” and outlines the elements that constitute the nation’s territory. This foundational provision has both symbolic and practical importance, shaping India’s federal framework while affirming its unity.
Definition and Structure under Article 1
Article 1 declares that India, or Bharat, shall be a Union of States. The States and Union Territories are listed in the First Schedule of the Constitution, while the territory of India comprises three components: the territories of the States, the Union Territories, and any territories that may be acquired in the future. The choice of the term “Union” rather than “Federation” was deliberate, signifying that the states have no constitutional right to secede and that India’s unity is permanent.
Historical Context and Evolution
The phrase “Union of States” was present in the 1948 draft Constitution, reflecting the vision of the Constituent Assembly to build an indissoluble political entity. In 1950, the name “Bharat” was added to the English name “India” to recognise the country’s historical and cultural identity. Over time, territorial boundaries have been redefined through constitutional amendments and legislative actions, the most significant of which was the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
Role of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956
The States Reorganisation Act was a transformative law that redrew the map of India largely on linguistic lines. It replaced the earlier classification of states into Part A, B, C, and D categories with a simplified system of states and union territories. Since then, further reorganisations—such as the creation of new states like Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Telangana—have continued to adjust the federal structure to administrative needs and regional aspirations.
Federal Framework and Central Authority
India’s federal system is distinct in its strong centralising features. While states have constitutional autonomy in their own spheres, the Union Government wields substantial powers, especially in matters of national security, economic planning, and emergency governance. This unitary bias ensures cohesion but also generates debates over the balance of power between the centre and the states.
Judicial Interpretations
The Supreme Court has played a critical role in interpreting Article 1 and the nature of the Union. In State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1963), the Court affirmed that India is a Union of States, not a loose federation. The landmark Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) decision introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, ensuring that the federal nature of the Union cannot be fundamentally altered. Similarly, Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980) reinforced the importance of maintaining the balance between central and state powers.
Union Territories and Their Governance
Union Territories are directly administered by the central government, often through a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator. While most UTs have no legislature, Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir enjoy partial statehood, allowing them to elect assemblies but with significant powers retained by the Union.
At present, the First Schedule of the Constitution recognises 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Some UTs, such as Ladakh, have been created in recent years through reorganisation, reflecting the dynamic nature of India’s political geography.
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