On June 18, 1951, India passed its First Constitutional Amendment – a bold and controversial move that reshaped the nation’s policy landscape. It empowered the state to abolish the Zamindari system, introduced special provisions for uplifting weaker sections, and gave the government authority to nationalize key industries. It also clarified limits on freedom of speech in the public interest. These were critical steps in shaping India’s socioeconomic fabric.

The First Amendment to the Indian Constitution (1951)

The First Amendment was billed as an attempt to balance fundamental rights with the need for social justice, public order, and land reforms, setting a precedent for constitutional amendments to overcome judicial obstacles to government policies. This also set afloat the idea that the Constitution of India was a living document and open to changes to suit changing times. It is not a document cast in stone like religious scriptures.

• Article 15(4) added as clarification on the right to equality (provision for reservation in jobs and later higher education). This empowered the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, allowing affirmative action without violating the right to equality.

• Restrictions on Freedom of Speech by amending Article 19(2). The Article was expanded. The provision of reasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression were added for reasons including security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence.

• Article 19(6) amended. This allowed the State to carry on trade or business or impose professional qualifications, supporting state control or nationalisation of industries without violating the right to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

• Articles 31A and 31B inserted (most talked about feature). This change protected laws related to land reforms and abolition of zamindari from being challenged in courts, thus safeguarding agrarian reform laws from judicial review.

• Addition of the Ninth Schedule (another big talking point). Included a list of laws (mainly related to land reforms) protected from judicial scrutiny to ensure smooth implementation of social and economic reforms.
• Other major amended provisions included Articles 85, 87, 174, 176, 341, 342, 372, and 376. These were related to procedural aspects of Parliament and State Legislatures, their sessions, and clauses regarding Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes notifications, among others.

As this landmark amendment enters its 75th year on June 18, 2025, it marks a fitting milestone to launch Policy Advisors Day – a global tribute to those who influence, craft, and uphold policies that drive progress.

June 18 will henceforth be celebrated every year as World Policy Advisors Day!