Indian Polity & Governance·Amendments

Historical Foundations — Amendments

Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 5 Mar 2026
AmendmentYearDescriptionImpact
42nd Amendment1976Known as the 'Mini Constitution,' this amendment made extensive changes including adding 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble, curtailing judicial review, and strengthening the Directive Principles. It reflected a departure from the original constitutional balance envisioned by the founding fathers.This amendment highlighted the tension between the historical foundations of constitutional democracy and political expediency. Many of its provisions were later struck down or modified, reinforcing the importance of the basic structure doctrine rooted in historical foundations.
44th Amendment1978This amendment restored many of the original constitutional provisions that were altered by the 42nd Amendment, particularly regarding fundamental rights and judicial review. It also made the right to property a legal right instead of a fundamental right.The amendment represented a return to the constitutional foundations envisioned by the founding fathers, restoring the balance between different organs of government and reaffirming the importance of fundamental rights in the constitutional scheme.
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