How does the Indian polity ensure the separation of powers among the three branches of government
Explain the mechanisms in place to maintain the separation of powers in the Indian political system.
The Indian polity ensures the separation of powers among the three branches of government, namely the legislature, executive, and judiciary, through various mechanisms:
- Constitutional provisions: The Indian Constitution clearly defines the powers, functions, and limitations of each branch of government, ensuring their independence and preventing any concentration of power.
- Independent judiciary: The judiciary is separate from the legislative and executive branches and has the power of judicial review, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and the constitutionality of laws.
- Checks and balances: Each branch has the power to check and balance the other branches. For example, the legislature can hold the executive accountable through discussions, debates, and various parliamentary procedures.
- Appointment processes: The appointment of judges, top bureaucrats, and members of various independent statutory bodies is done through procedures that involve different branches. This ensures a degree of separation and avoids complete control by any one branch.
- Judicial activism: The Indian judiciary has played an active role in interpreting and upholding the Constitution, thereby preventing any encroachment by the executive or legislative branches on the powers of other branches.
- Independent election commission: The Election Commission of India, an independent statutory body, conducts impartial and free elections, ensuring a fair and democratic process for electing representatives to the legislature.
Answered
a year ago