What is the nature of the Indian Constitution ?

Explanation

Constitutional experts generally classify constitutions into two main types—(i) Federal and (ii) Unitary. A unitary constitution is one in which all powers are vested in a single government, usually the central government. In such a system, provinces/states remain subordinate to the centre. In contrast, a federal constitution divides powers between the Centre and the States, and both governments function independently within their respective spheres. ## Page 7 There has been considerable difference of opinion among jurists regarding the nature of the Indian Constitution. According to the Constitution-makers, it is federal; however, Prof. Jennings objected to calling it fully federal. Prof. K.C. Wheare described it as a quasi-federal constitution, or as a unitary constitution with federal features playing a supporting role. Jennings also pointed out a strong tendency towards centralization in the Indian Constitution. Therefore, from the above analysis, we can say that the Indian Constitution is neither purely federal nor purely unitary; rather, it is federal in structure but unitary in spirit.