The correct option is There is nothing new in a Constitution framed at this hour in the history of the world except variations to remove faults.
Explanation
During the debates in the Constituent Assembly, the Draft Constitution faced criticism for being a "bag of borrowings" or a "patchwork" of provisions from other constitutions. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, addressed these criticisms by articulating the rationale behind adopting proven constitutional principles.Analysis of Dr. Ambedkar’s Justification
- Historical Context: Dr. Ambedkar argued that the fundamental principles of governance and constitutionalism had already been established globally. He stated, "One likes to ask whether there can be anything new in a Constitution framed at this hour in the history of the world. More than one hundred years have rolled over when the first written Constitution was drafted."
- Scope for Originality: He emphasized that the scope for novelty was limited because the basic principles of a constitution (such as the division of power, rights, and legislature) were well-settled.
- Purpose of Borrowing: He justified the borrowing by asserting that the only new things in a constitution framed so late in history could be the variations made to remove the faults found in existing constitutions and to accommodate the specific needs of the country. He famously remarked, "Nobody holds any patent rights in the fundamental ideas of a Constitution."
Evaluation of Incorrect Options
- It is a shameful imitation of the West. is incorrect: Dr. Ambedkar did not view the borrowing as shameful; rather, he considered it a pragmatic approach to ensure a stable and effective governance system.
- The Constitution should have been based entirely on ancient Indian texts. is incorrect: While he respected Indian heritage, Dr. Ambedkar was critical of social hierarchies in ancient texts and did not advocate basing the modern political structure entirely on them.
- Borrowing leads to a loss of national sovereignty. is incorrect: He did not believe that adopting best practices from other nations compromised national sovereignty; instead, he believed it strengthened the constitutional framework.
Key Takeaway
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar defended the "borrowed" nature of the Constitution by arguing that at a late stage in world history, the focus should be on adapting established principles to local needs and removing the faults of earlier constitutions, rather than seeking novelty for its own sake.