Article 387 of Indian Constitution

Article 387 of Indian Constitution – Originally addressed population determination for elections. Learn definition, status, related articles, UPSC relevance.
📅 Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse
🏷️Omitted

📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

387

part

Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse

Status

Omitted

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 387 of the Indian Constitution was originally included to address how population would be determined for certain elections. This article aimed to clarify the basis on which representation in the legislature would be calculated, specifically linked to population figures. It was major for ensuring that electoral representation was fairly distributed among various states and union territories, influencing how many seats each area would receive in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies.

The article impacted various groups, especially in states with differing population sizes. By providing a method to calculate representation, it ensured that larger populations received appropriate representation in the political structure. However, it also allowed for exceptions, considering factors like geographical boundaries and historical contexts that might have led to imbalances in population distribution.

In 1956, this article was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act. The removal reflected a shift in the constitutional framework, possibly due to the evolving nature of Indian society and governance. While Article 387 is no longer in effect, understanding its role is key for grasping how the Constitution has adapted over time to meet the needs of a diverse and populous nation like India. The amendment indicates the flexible nature of the Constitution, allowing it to change with societal needs and electoral fairness.

Historical Context

Article 387 was included in the Constitution to provide guidelines on determining population for elections. During Constituent Assembly debates, members emphasized the need for fair representation based on population. The article was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act in 1956, which aimed to streamline electoral processes as India’s political landscape evolved. Supreme Court cases, such as the Keshavananda Bharati case, highlighted the need for the Constitution to adapt, ensuring that electoral representation remained just and equitable. This historical evolution demonstrates the responsive nature of the constitutional framework in addressing the nation’s changing needs over time This ensures clarity under the law.

Key Features

– Article 387 was originally about population determination for elections.
– It aimed to ensure fair electoral representation across states.
– The article was omitted by the Seventh Amendment in 1956.
– Omission reflected changes in India’s political and social landscape.
– Fair representation remains a key principle in electoral processes.

Importance & Impact

– Fair representation ensures that all citizens have a voice in governance and decision-making.
– Determining population for elections helps maintain balanced political power across different regions.
– Omission demonstrates the Constitution’s capacity to adapt according to changing societal needs.
– Changes in governance reflect the diverse needs of a broad and varied society.
– Understanding this article aids in studying the evolution of electoral reforms in India.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements regarding Article 387 of the Indian Constitution is correct? A) It was added to address population determination for elections to ensure fairness. B) It was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, due to changing needs. C) It is still in effect today and guides electoral representation. D) It only affects union territories and not states. Choose the correct options and explain your reasoning.? Which of the statements given above are correct in the context of the federal structure of India?

Answer

The correct answer is A and B. Article 387 was originally included to determine population for elections but was omitted in 1956 due to changing political needs. Options C and D are incorrect as the article is no longer in effect and applied to all regions, not just union territories.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 387 dealt with population figures for electoral representation.
✓ It was omitted in 1956 by the Seventh Amendment for political reasons.
✓ Fair representation is a core principle in a democratic system.
✓ The Constitution adapts to the changing needs of society and governance.
✓ Understanding this article helps analyze India’s electoral reforms over time.

FAQs

Article 387 was omitted to streamline electoral processes and adapt to societal changes in 1956. The amendment aimed to reflect the evolving dynamics of India’s political landscape. This change helped ensure that representation was fair and relevant to contemporary governance needs. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

Article 387 related to determining how population figures influenced electoral representation. It aimed to ensure that seats in legislatures were allocated based on population counts. Understanding this context helps clarify the importance of equitable representation. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

Article 387 guided how population determined legislative representation, ensuring that larger populations had more seats. While it is no longer in effect, its principles continue to influence fair representation in elections today. This highlights the ongoing relevance of population in governance. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

Related Articles

Editor-in-Chief Pramod

Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
Scroll to Top