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| What is Article 394 of Indian constitution |
📜 Article 394 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Commencement
🧾 Full Text (Simplified):
"This article, and Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379 to 391 and 393 shall come into force at once, and the remaining provisions of this Constitution shall come into force on the 26th day of January 1950, which day is referred to in this Constitution as the commencement of this Constitution."
🔍 Explanation:
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Article 394 defines when different parts of the Constitution came into force.
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It made some specific articles operative immediately (i.e., on 26 November 1949, the day the Constitution was adopted).
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The rest of the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 – celebrated as Republic Day.
📌 Key Features:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | 26 November 1949 |
| Full Commencement | 26 January 1950 (Republic Day) |
| Came into force early | Articles: 5–9 (citizenship), 60 (President's oath), 324 (Election Commission), 366–367 (definitions), 379–391 (transitional provisions), 393 (short title), and 394 itself |
| Purpose of Early Enforcement | To enable preparations for the functioning of the Republic before it fully began |
| Part of | Part XXII – Short title, commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, and repeals |
🗓️ Important Dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 26 Nov 1949 | Constitution adopted; Article 394 brings some parts into force immediately |
| 26 Jan 1950 | Constitution came fully into force – Republic Day |
✅ Why Article 394 is Important:
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It legally defines “Commencement of the Constitution” as 26 January 1950.
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Allowed essential groundwork (like citizenship and election setup) before full enforcement.
Here is a timeline of Article 394 of the Indian Constitution, explaining the phased commencement of the Constitution:
📅 Timeline: Article 394 – Commencement of the Constitution
| Date | Event / Significance |
|---|---|
| 26 November 1949 | 🇮🇳 Constitution of India adopted by the Constituent Assembly. |
| 🔹 Article 394 comes into force immediately. | |
| 🔹 Along with it, the following Articles also came into force right away: | |
| – Articles 5–9 (Citizenship) | |
| – Article 60 (President’s oath) | |
| – Article 324 (Election Commission) | |
| – Articles 366–367 (Definitions & Interpretations) | |
| – Articles 379–391 (Transitional provisions) | |
| – Article 393 (Short title of the Constitution) | |
| 26 November 1949 – 25 January 1950 | 🛠️ Preparations: citizenship rules, election setup, transitional governance |
| 26 January 1950 | 🎉 Constitution of India came fully into force on this day. |
| – Declared as Republic Day | |
| – Remaining all Articles of the Constitution became operational | |
| – India officially became a Republic |
🧾 Key Purpose of Article 394:
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To legally manage the transition by allowing key administrative articles to begin before full enforcement.
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Ensured that by 26 January 1950, India had:
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A defined citizen base
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An election commission
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Mechanisms for President's election and oath
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Interim provisions for state functioning
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