The Constitution has a new political life – and that’s good news for the court

Indian constitutionalism is having a moment. In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections, mainstream politics has found a renewed enthusiasm for the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi, the new leader of opposition, was seen brandishing a pocket-sized copy of the document at his campaign rallies and carried it to Parliament. As new MPs took oath, several members of the Opposition INDIA coalition took copies of the Constitution to the ceremony.

The Constitution played a pivotal role in the Lok Sabha elections held in May-June. Some commentators even called it “the hero of the election” and the “star campaigner”. After the impression was created that the Bharatiya Janata Party might alter the Constitution and possibly remove reservation if it won a majority, many voted with the aim of protecting the promises the document contains.

This championing of the Constitution by mainstream politics is evidence of a significant chapter in the story of the document. It indicates that Indian constitutionalism is gaining an identity distinct from what was imposed upon it by its courts.

Constitutions work not just through the text of the document but through its culture too. The Indian Constitution aimed to kindle a social revolution. The method to realise this cultural change was not envisaged as being limited to the courts.

BR Ambedkar, the architect of...

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