Which Amendment is known as the “Mini Constitution”?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 is known as the “Mini Constitution” because it brought about extensive and significant changes to the Constitution of India.
The 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1976 during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is known as the “Mini Constitution.” It earned this title because it introduced extensive and widespread changes to the Constitution, including modifications to the Preamble, extension of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies’ terms, curtailment of the judiciary’s powers, the addition of Fundamental Duties for citizens, and giving precedence to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights. Due to the large number of significant alterations it made to various parts of the Constitution, the 42nd Amendment stands out as the most comprehensive and controversial amendment in India’s constitutional history.
