Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, born on 14th May 1883 in Pudur village, Andhra Pradesh, was a distinguished jurist and a key figure in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He pursued history at Madras Christian College, where his academic excellence earned him a tutor’s position in the same subject. Balancing work and studies, he completed his B.L. degree, marking the beginning of an illustrious legal career.
Ayyar’s professional journey was remarkable. He became a leading member of the Bar and was appointed Advocate-General of Madras State from 1929 to 1944. His contributions to legal reform included his role in the Government of India Committee tasked with amending the laws on Partnership and Sale of Goods in 1929. Honored with the title Dewan Bahadur in 1930 and knighted in 1932, he later renounced his knighthood as a mark of solidarity with India’s freedom movement. Ayyar was also known for his generosity, often mentoring young lawyers and making his library accessible to all.
Despite not actively participating in the independence movement, Ayyar’s legal expertise earned him a place in the Constituent Assembly. Representing Madras Province on a Congress ticket, he contributed significantly to the framing of the Constitution. As a member of nine critical committees, including the Drafting Committee, the Advisory Committee, and the Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights, Ayyar played a vital role in shaping provisions on citizenship, fundamental rights, and emergency measures. His insights and meticulous work ensured that the Constitution addressed the diverse needs of the nation while upholding democratic principles.
After completing his work with the Constituent Assembly, Ayyar retired from public life. He passed away on 3rd October 1953, leaving behind a legacy of legal brilliance and constitutional vision. Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar’s life and work remain an enduring testament to his dedication to justice and democracy. His role in shaping India’s constitutional framework stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic governance, inspiring generations to uphold the ideals he so fervently advocated.
Excerpts of Speeches Made by Alladi Krishnaswami in the
Constituent Assembly On Democracy and Equality
“The Constitution truly reflects the spirit of the Objectives Resolution with which this Assembly started its work and the Preamble of the Constitution which is mainly founded on the Objectives Resolution.”
“In spite of the ignorance and illiteracy of the large mass of the Indian people, the Assembly has adopted the principle of adult franchise with an abundant faith in the common man and the ultimate success of democratic rule.”
“The introduction of democratic government on the basis of adult suffrage will bring enlightenment and promote the well-being, the standard of life, the comfort, and the decent living of the common man.
“The breakdown provisions in the Constitution are not intended in any way to hamper the free working of democratic institutions or responsible Government in the different units, but only to ensure the smooth working of the Government when actual difficulties arise in the working of the Constitution.”
“Our Constitution is much more flexible than many written and Federal Constitutions. An easy and flexible method of amendment has been provided for. But that does not mean that amendment must be undertaken lightheartedly.”
On Citizenship and Responsible Government
“The Constitution deliberately adopts the principle of single citizenship for the whole of India and departs from dual citizenship, a common feature of many Federations.”
“The Union Government is entrusted with the power of intervention while there is a failure or deadlock in the working of democratic machinery.”
“The exceptions and qualifications introduced into the articles reproduce in statutory form the well-recognised exceptions and limitations on the Fundamental Rights dealt with in the article.”
On Religious Freedom and Inter-State Relations
“While religious freedom is guaranteed to every individual and every religious persuasion, the State does not identify or ally itself with any particular religion or religious belief.”
“The Assembly, while adhering to the principle that freedom of trade between the different units is indispensable to the proper functioning of the Union, has made the inter-State relations much more elastic and flexible in our Constitution.”
On the Judiciary
“The Supreme Court in India under the Indian Constitution, as this House is aware, has wider powers than the highest courts in any other known Federation including that of the U.S.A.”
“The Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter in all matters involving the interpretation of the Constitution.”
“The judiciary is there to interpret the Constitution or adjudicate upon the rights between the parties concerned.”
“The doctrine of independence is not to be raised to the level of a dogma so as to enable the judiciary to function as a kind of super legislature or super-executive.”
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Reference: PIB