Constitutional Beginnings: Between Continuity And Change

This opinion piece examines the evolution of India’s constitutional framework, exploring how continuity from colonial institutions intersects with transformative changes introduced by the Constitution. It argues that while India inherited administrative and legal structures from the British, constitutionalism brought normative shifts prioritizing rights, democracy, and accountability. The article reflects on debates around originalism, constitutional morality, and living interpretation, highlighting that India’s constitutional journey is a dynamic balance between historical continuity and progressive change. It calls for contextual reading of the Constitution to address modern governance challenges.