A People’s Constitution

He also holds the distinction of being the first scholar to be granted access to the archives in the Supreme Court Record Room, the documents of which have contributed into making this book which offers an interesting and unique perspective to the study of the Indian Constitution.

While law books generally deal with the analysis of law, acumen of lawyers and sagacity of judges, the subjects of Mr. De’s book are the common citizens of this country. Though the constitution was written by elites, and in a language alien to many, yet, it was the common citizens who took their grievances to the Courts protesting State actions which violated their constitutional rights. This book thus documents the social history of constitutionalism in India through the common people of India who shaped Constitutional interpretations from below.

Through interesting case studies—such as Parsi men challenging the Prohibition in Maharashtra; Marwari Couple challenging commodity and price controls under Essential Commodities Act; Butchers belonging to Muslim community challenging cow slaughter prohibitions; sex-workers protesting against the violations of their Fundamental rights of livelihood free movement by challenging the unjustness of laws regulating prostitution— Mr. De shows how ordinary people, especially those from socially and economically disadvantaged and minority communities gave life to the constitution culture in India and reveals how the Constitution captured the imagination of the masses who used remedies provided by the State to challenge State Actions.

The book shows how law is integrated in everyday life and personifies a unique blend of social history with legal studies thereby celebrating both the people and the Constitution. The book is lucidly written thoroughly interesting, making it a perfect read for everyone this Independence Day!