Enforcement of the Constitution

Once the Constitution was adopted, its provisions were brought into force in two stages. Key provisions—including those relating to citizenship, elections, and transitional arrangements—came into effect on November 26, 1949, while the majority of its articles were enforced on January 26, 1950, a date chosen for its historical significance in the freedom movement. With the new Constitution in force, the earlier legal frameworks such as the Government of India Act were repealed, firmly establishing India as a sovereign republic.

• Initial enforcement on November 26, 1949, for select provisions.
• Full enforcement on January 26, 1950—Republic Day.
• Repeal of pre-existing colonial laws to establish full sovereignty.