B. N. Rau was appointed as the Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly in formulating the Indian Constitution in 1946. He was responsible for the general structure of its democratic framework of the Constitution and prepared its initial draft in February 1948.

Appointment of B.N. Rau as the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly of India was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India, which would serve as the guiding framework for the newly independent nation. To aid in this monumental task, the Assembly appointed several advisors to provide expert guidance and advice. One of the key advisors appointed was B.N. Rau, who played a crucial role in shaping the Indian Constitution.

The Role of the Constitutional Advisor

The role of the Constitutional Advisor was to provide legal expertise, guidance, and assistance to the members of the Constituent Assembly. The advisor's responsibilities included examining and analyzing constitutional issues, providing suggestions and recommendations on various provisions, and ensuring that the final document adhered to legal principles and constitutional norms.

Selection of B.N. Rau

B.N. Rau, also known as Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, was selected as the Constitutional Advisor due to his extensive legal knowledge and experience. Rau was a distinguished jurist and civil servant who had served in various capacities in the Indian Civil Service, including as the representative of India in the League of Nations.

He was also appointed as the Deputy Legal Advisor to the Government of India in 1945 and had actively participated in the negotiations for India's independence. Rau's profound understanding of constitutional law and his commitment to upholding the values of justice and equality made him an ideal candidate for the position of the Constitutional Advisor.

Contributions of B.N. Rau

As the Constitutional Advisor, B.N. Rau made significant contributions to the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He played a pivotal role in resolving various contentious issues and ensuring that the final document reflected the aspirations and values of the Indian people.

Rau provided valuable inputs on fundamental rights, the structure of government, and the distribution of powers between the center and the states. He also played a key role in formulating the Directive Principles of State Policy, which laid down the social and economic goals that the Indian state should strive to achieve.

Conclusion

The appointment of B.N. Rau as the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly was a crucial step in ensuring the drafting of a comprehensive and robust constitution for India. His expertise, guidance, and commitment to constitutional principles were instrumental in shaping the final document, which continues to serve as the cornerstone of India's democracy.