directive principles
of the ridiculous parts of the constitution, the most laughable is the chapter on directive principle.
just how this was treated while drafting the various articles is clear from the standard argument advanced by ambedekar regarding prohibition.
" prohibition, while significant, was only a directive principle. every state did not have to pass a law of this nature, and if they did, tribal councils - self-governing institutions for tribal areas could override them in their specific context. this unique feature - the ability to accept prohibition while at the same time not accepting it - was the genius of the directive principles chapter as well as the seed of its own irrelevance".
same applies for protection for cow, compulsory elementary education, cottage industry and so on. but the cake is taken by "promotion of international peace and security". (article 50)
taking on the burden of the entire world on its shoulders has probably no semblance to any other constitution. the framers of constitution probably forgot that it is constitution for india and not for the world.
the sentiments were carried on to other parts also. proposed article 253 said "no duties on salt shall be levied by the union". probably this was because member alladi krishnasamy ayyar was thinking of dandi march. here also, the states are not mentioned. such halfhearted approach was the fun part of the writing of constitution. brajeshwar prasad said, in relation to emergency powers, "a house selected on the basis of adult suffrage will consist mostly of persons who are illiterate, and raw. is it desirable that the question of security of india should be determined by such a house". (2 aug 1949)
but then no one was serious about the constitution. it was just fun time, with opportunity to make long sentimental pravachans. no doubt that ambedekar, the so called father of constitution (and really only a midwife in charge of delivery) said on sep 2, 1953 that he was "quite prepared to be the first person to burn it. i do not want it. it does not suit anybody".
ridiculous that such a constitution is declared to be perfect and a president (in office at that time) saying "constitution has not failed us, we have failed the constitution".
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