26 November 1949
Explanation
The legislative process of the Constituent Assembly culminated in the formal acceptance of the final draft of the Constitution. The specific date of this event is enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution of India.
Analysis of Dates:
- 26 November 1949 (Correct): This is the date on which the Constituent Assembly formally adopted, enacted, and gave to themselves the Constitution. On this date, the motion moved by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was declared as passed, and the document was signed by the President of the Assembly and the members. While the majority of the Constitution came into force later, provisions related to citizenship, elections, and the provisional parliament became effective immediately on this date.
- 26 January 1950: This is the Date of Commencement of the Constitution. It marks the transition of India into a Republic. This date was specifically chosen to commemorate the declaration of "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) on January 26, 1930.
- 15 August 1947: This date marks India's independence from British rule under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, but it is not the date of the Constitution's adoption.
- 26 January 1930: This date is historically significant as the first "Independence Day" celebrated by the Indian National Congress following the Lahore Session, but it is not the date of the constitutional adoption.
Key Takeaway:
A clear distinction exists between the Date of Adoption (November 26, 1949), now celebrated as Constitution Day, and the Date of Commencement (January 26, 1950), celebrated as Republic Day.