THE BOOK OF EXPECTATIONS

Delhi lawyer and jurisprudence scholar Gautam Bhatia's new book on the Indian Constitution examines it as a whole, particularly how it creates and shapes channels and institutions, and also constrains power. A conversation on what it can or cannot do.

- AKASH CHATTERJEE

KASHMIR Se Kanyakumari (from Kashmir to Kanyakumari) is a common phrase that attempts to showcase the expanse of India.

How do elected union governments govern such a culturally diverse country? The answer, perhaps, lies in the Indian Constitution, which is meant to be a guidebook of India's socio-political systems, and for Indians in general.

Birthed in 1950, it has witnessed many challenges, including attacks on federalism, complications in the centre-state relationship, and restrictions on fundamental rights promised by it to citizens.

Excerpts from a conversation with Delhi lawyer and jurisprudence scholar Gautam Bhatia on his new book, The Indian Constitution: Conversations with Power (HarperCollins):

How does your book contribute to the existing discourse on the Indian Constitution?

This book analyses the Indian Constitution as a whole. So far, there have been many studies to analyse it in parts—some focused on fundamental rights or on the centre-state relationship. I examine how it creates and shapes institutions, and also constrains power.

Does your book emphasise the working of the Constitution, mainly in the 2019-2024 timeframe? And do you think India's constitutional structure has come under unprecedented attack during this period?