NEW DELHI: The Indian Constituent Assembly today [Nov 26] passed the constitution of the Indian Republic, which will be inaugurated on Jan 26, 1950. Prolonged cheers greeted the passage of the constitution, which will govern India’s 320,000,000 people. A full-throated “aye” gave the ascent of the House to the document when the President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, put to vote a motion by the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr Ambedkar that “the constitution as settled by the Assembly be passed”.

There was only one dissentient voice — that of Maulana Hasrat Mohant, who shouted “No”. Maulana Mohani … had favoured the adoption of a constitution based on that of the Soviet Union. The President signed a copy of the constitution and authenticated the document so that par[t]s of it might be brought into immediate operation.

Among the articles … which will come into force immediately are those relating to citizenship and certain temporary and transitional provisions.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024