This important book offers critical insights into four decades of the Indian Constitution. It charts the course of constitutional reform in India from the euphoric idealism of the post-independence period, through the crisis years of emergency, and up to Rajiv Gandhi’s brief stay in power.

The book analyzes the ways in which various legal and political vicissitudes of democracy have affected the making of the Indian Constitution. Working a Democratic Constitution tells a very human story of how the social, political and day-to-day lived realities of the Indian people has been reflected in, and in turn directed the course of, constitutional reforms in the country. Through the post independence euphoria to the turbulent years of Indira Gandhi’s ‘Emergency’ and Rajiv Gandhi’s brief period of power, the way in which the constitution has evolved to suit the changing needs of the times is an important indicator of India’s successful experience with democracy.