India : constitutional dynamics in a changing polity

The present study first of its kind, seeks to explore in depth the nature and character of constitutional dyna mics as manifested through amend ments in India and its inter-action with the Indian political process during the first three decades. Since the society is dynamic, the Constitution, must be responsive to the changing socio-eco nomic demands of the country. In India, since 1950, the Constitution has been formally amended more than sixty times. It is rather unusual and demands thorough investigation. In this present up-dated study, an attempt has been made to find out the nature and degree of the impact of Consti tutional dynamics on the nature and working of the Indian political system and the emerging trends since the beginning. It is interesting to note that inspite of recurring conflicts during the past decades, the basic framework of the Indian polity has shown surprising degree of adaptability to the changing circumstances. The Indian political system was confronted with the dual tasks of system-maintenance and system persistence.