Which is the longest (or largest) Constitutional amendment act known as ‘Mini…

Concept

A constitutional amendment is called a “Mini Constitution” when it is so wide-ranging that it touches a large part of the Constitution at once — the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, the federal balance, and the powers of the judiciary — effectively re-writing the framework rather than changing a single provision.

Application

The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, passed during the Emergency, is the most comprehensive amendment ever made to the Constitution. Its sweeping scope is why it is popularly called the “Mini Constitution”:

• Added the words Socialist, Secular and Integrity to the Preamble.

• Inserted Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A, Article 51A).

• Added the Directive Principles and tried to give them primacy over Fundamental Rights.

• Curtailed the power of judicial review and the jurisdiction of the courts.

• Extended the term of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies from 5 to 6 years (later reversed).

Cross-check

Comparing the year and scope of each amendment settles it: