The Unseen Battle: India's Constitutional Standoff with Referendum

In 1978, post-Emergency India debated adding 'referendum' to its Constitution as a safeguard against future abuses of power. While the Janata government passed the proposal in Lok Sabha, it was obliterated in Rajya Sabha. The bill faced resistance from those wary of undermining electoral mandates and logistical concerns. Historical member debates further underscored the complexities involved.

The clash over introducing 'referendum' into India's Constitution in 1978 was a contentious episode following the Emergency. The Janata government, eager to safeguard against any similar future events, proposed the Constitutional Amendment Bill. It passed in the Lok Sabha but met resistance and ultimate defeat in the Rajya Sabha.

Key figures like Law Minister Shanti Bhushan advocated the move, drawing experience from the Emergency's impact on fundamental rights. However, the proposal sparked widespread debate, touching on issues like the cost of repeated public consultations and the integrity of existing electoral mandates.

The historical debates revealed both support and skepticism. While proponents argued a referendum enhanced citizen sovereignty, opponents criticized it as impractical. Ultimately, the lack of consensus mirrored past discussions during the Constituent Assembly, reflecting deep-seated reservations about direct public voting mechanisms in law-making.

(With inputs from agencies.)