📘 Indian Democracy: An Overview
🔹 Definition of Democracy
emocracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the hands of the people. It functions through
D
elected representatives and is characterized by:
● Free and fair elections
● Rule of law
● Separation of powers
● Fundamental rights and duties
● Political equality
🏛️ Features of Indian Democracy
1. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic
● As stated in the Preamble to the Constitution.
● Emphasizes independence, social and economic justice, religious neutrality, and elected leadership.
2. Parliamentary Form of Government
● India has abicameral legislature(Lok Sabha and RajyaSabha).
● President is the nominal head; Prime Minister is the real executive.
3. Universal Adult Franchise
● E
very Indian citizen 18 years and older has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or
economic status.
4. Independent Judiciary
● Judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature.
● Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights.
5. Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
● Powers divided between the Centre and States.
● During emergencies, power gets centralized.
6. Fundamental Rights
● Six key rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12–35).
○ R
ight to Equality, Freedom, Against Exploitation, Freedom of Religion, Cultural & Educational
Rights, and Constitutional Remedies.
7. Regular Elections
● Conducted by theElection Commission of India.
● Ensures peaceful transfer of power through democratic means.
8. Multi-party System
● India allows formation of multiple political parties.
● Encourages competition, representing diverse interests.
9. Secularism
● No state religion.
● Equal treatment of all religions by the state.
📜 Democratic Institutions in India
Institution Function
Election Commission onducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and
C
the offices of President and Vice-President.
Supreme Court Interprets Constitution, ensures legal compliance.
Parliament Law-making body, ensures accountability of executive.
Panchayati Raj Decentralized governance at the grassroots level.
omptroller and Auditor
C Audits public finances and ensures transparency.
General (CAG)
📅 Historical Background
● P
re-Independence Democratic Practices: Formation of Indian National Congress in 1885, demand
for self-rule, Government of India Act 1935 (provided provincial autonomy).
● P
ost-Independence: Constitution adopted on 26 January1950, establishing India as a democratic
republic.
📌 Challenges to Indian Democracy
● Corruption
● Caste-based Politics
● Criminalization of Politics
● Communalism and Regionalism
● Low Political Awareness
● Fake News and Misinformation
✅ Strengths of Indian Democracy
● World's largest democracy
● Active civil society and media
● Peaceful transfer of power
● Vibrant and independent judiciary
● Strong constitutional framework
📚 Important Articles Related to Democracy
Article Description
Article 14 Equality before law
Article 19 Freedom of speech and expression
Article 21 Protection of life and personal liberty
Article 32 Right to constitutional remedies
Article 324–329 Election framework
📝 Conclusion
Indian democracy is robust and resilient, with constitutional safeguards and a participatory political culture.
Despite challenges, it continues to evolve, empowering citizens and upholding the spirit of the Constitution.
