4. Polity & Constitution – Democratic Backsliding and Ambedkarite Constitutionalism

Context
Current debates on “democratic backsliding in India” use an Ambedkarite constitutional perspective to critique weakening of referee institutions and civil liberties.

Background
B.R. Ambedkar emphasised constitutional morality, social democracy and annihilation of caste. A written Constitution and independent institutions were meant to check majoritarian rule and protect minorities and Dalits.

Data / Trend
Recent democracy indices show downgrades for India citing: constraints on media and civil society, widening use of investigative agencies, pressures on judiciary and Election Commission, and the shrinking of spaces for dissent.

Analysis & Application
For GS‑2, this is ideal for answers on basic structure, separation of powers, and constitutionalism vs majoritarianism. An Ambedkarite lens links caste oppression, economic inequality and institutional capture, arguing that backsliding hurts marginalised groups most. For GS‑4, it frames constitutional values (liberty, equality, fraternity) as public ethics, demanding that public officials put Constitution above party.

Way Forward
Reforms include: transparent appointments to constitutional bodies, stronger Parliamentary committees, time‑bound judicial review in rights cases, and civic‑education programmes to promote constitutional morality.

Conclusion
Ambedkarite constitutionalism warns that formal elections alone cannot sustain democracy; institutional checks and social equality are equally critical.