Question

“Indian Constitution is first and foremost a social document”. Whose words are these?

• A. K.C. Wheare
• B. Granville Austin
• C. Marc Galanter
• D. Ivor Jennings

Hint:

Granville Austin is the key scholar to remember for positive, social-revolution-centric descriptions of the Indian Constitution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the eminent constitutional scholar who described the Indian Constitution as "first and foremost a social document."

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
The Indian Constitution has been studied and characterized by many international political scientists and constitutional historians.
We need to identify the scholar who focused heavily on the transformative social goals embedded in Part III (Fundamental Rights) and Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Granville Austin: Austin was an acclaimed American historian of the Indian Constitution. In his classic work, "The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation," he analyzed the sociopolitical vision of the constitution-makers.

• The Core Thesis: Austin argued that the Indian Constitution was designed to achieve a social revolution. He noted that its provisions are aimed at fostering national unity, establishing democratic institutions, and improving the lives of the masses.

• The Seamless Web: He described the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles as the "conscience of the Constitution" and part of a "seamless web" of social commitments.

• Contrast with other scholars: K.C. Wheare characterized the Indian Constitution as "quasi-federal," while Ivor Jennings criticized its size and rigidity, calling it a "lawyer's paradise."

Step 4: Final Answer:
The description of the Indian Constitution as "first and foremost a social document" was given by Granville Austin.