Working of the Constituent Assembly

The Assembly met for the first time on December 9, 1946, albeit with reduced strength due to the Muslim League’s boycott. With Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha as the temporary president and later Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected to head the proceedings, the Assembly embarked on its dual role of drafting a constitution and acting as India’s provisional legislative body. A landmark moment was the adoption of the Objectives Resolution on December 13, 1946, which laid the philosophical foundation of the new state. Over the course of 11 sessions spanning nearly two years, members debated, amended, and refined proposals, setting the stage for modern India.

1. First session on December 9, 1946; initial sessions affected by boycott.
2. Adoption of the Objectives Resolution outlining core principles.
3. Dual roles as both constitution maker and provisional legislature.