India's Constitutional Journey: 76 Years and Counting
As India marks 76 years of its Constitution, the document often celebrated for its flexibility faces unprecedented challenges in democratic governance. While constitutional experts worldwide have noted that written constitutions typically survive an average of just 17 years, India's foundational legal framework has demonstrated remarkable endurance against global trends.
The year 2025 finds India's constitutional framework under renewed scrutiny as governance mechanisms face complex contemporary challenges. Authored by Nayakara Veeresha and last updated on November 25, 2025, at 22:52 IST, the analysis presents a nuanced picture of India's institutional performance that contradicts simple narratives of constitutional success or failure.
The Flexibility Paradox: Beyond Survival Statistics
India's Constitution has often been described as exceptionally flexible, a characteristic that scholars believe contributes to its longevity. This view finds support in Ginsburg, Elkins and Melton's 2007 study, which established that written constitutions globally survive for an average of merely 17 years. Against this benchmark, India's 76-year constitutional journey appears extraordinary.
However, the mere survival of the constitutional text tells only part of the story. The real test lies in how effectively constitutional principles translate into democratic governance and institutional performance. Recent years have witnessed significant strains on India's democratic infrastructure, raising important questions about the gap between constitutional ideals and practical implementation.
Institutional Performance: The Real Constitutional Test
The true measure of a constitution's health extends beyond its textual endurance to encompass the vitality of the institutions it creates. India's democratic governance faces multiple pressures that test the resilience of its constitutional framework. These challenges manifest across various domains of public life and governance structures.
Key institutions established by the Constitution – including the judiciary, parliament, and executive – operate in an increasingly complex political and social environment. Their ability to maintain constitutional balance while addressing contemporary governance challenges remains crucial for India's democratic future.
As India moves forward, the relationship between constitutional longevity and democratic quality emerges as a critical area of examination. The Constitution's ability to adapt while preserving core democratic principles will determine not just its continued survival, but more importantly, its relevance in shaping India's governance landscape for generations to come.
