Ep. 01 | First Amendment in Indian Constitution | Indian Polity | UPSC Gurukul

The First Amendment to the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1951, was the first amendment to the original Constitution of India, which came into effect in 1950. It made significant changes, particularly to safeguard the rights of the state and address issues arising from the interpretation of certain provisions. Here are some key aspects of the First Amendment: 1. **Restriction on Freedom of Speech**: The amendment added a new ground to the restrictions on freedom of speech under *Article 19(2)**. Initially, the Constitution allowed reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression on grounds like sovereignty, integrity, and public order. The First Amendment introduced the grounds of **"defamation"* and *"incitement to an offense"* as additional reasons for restricting freedom of speech. 2. **Land Reform Legislation and Property Rights**: It provided for the imposition of restrictions on property rights in the interest of land reform measures by allowing the government to impose certain restrictions on the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property (under **Article 31A**). This was in response to the challenges to the land reform laws that were being passed in various states. 3. **Constitutional Safeguards for Socially and Economically Backward Classes**: The amendment also sought to protect the constitutional validity of certain laws regarding land reform, as well as the reservation policies, specifically in relation to backward classes. 4. **Prevention of Caste-based Discrimination**: It upheld the government's ability to limit the caste-based discrimination and ensure the social justice agenda by supporting reservations and affirmative action laws for backward classes. Overall, the First Amendment was a crucial response to the evolving social, political, and legal landscape of post-independence India. It struck a balance between protecting fundamental rights and ensuring the government’s ability to address emerging social challenges. This YouTube channel is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources for UPSC aspirants, focusing on subjects such as History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, and Science. It aims to equip students with essential knowledge and strategies to excel in the IAS examination. Through engaging content, expert insights, and detailed explanations, the channel seeks to foster a deeper understanding of these critical subjects, ultimately guiding viewers towards success in their civil service careers. #upsc #ias #civilservices