Indian Legal and Constitutional History

Indian Legal and Constitutional History, by Dr. N.V. Paranjape, is an ideal book for law students pursuing LL.B./LL.M. degrees and is often recommended in university curricula.

The book is mainly divided in two parts:

• Part I - Indian Legal History
  • Begins with the Administration of Justice in early British settlements and the East India Company era (pre-1726).
  • Follows the evolution through the Mayor’s Courts, Warren Hastings’ judicial reforms, and the establishment of the Supreme Courts, High Courts, the Federal Court, and the Privy Council.
  • Covers legal transformations, including the introduction of English law, the development of criminal law, personal laws (Hindu and Muslim), codification, the growth of the legal profession, law reporting, and the role of Lok Adalats.
• Part II - Constitutional History of India
  • Traces British constitutional measures, including the Regulating Act (1773), various Charter Acts, Indian Councils Acts, Morley-Minto and Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.
  • Continues through major developments like the Simon Commission, legislative assemblies, independence provisions, and the shaping & amendment of the Indian Constitution post-1947

Key Features:

• Traces the evolution of the legal system from colonial patterns to contemporary forms of constitutional governance.
• Specifically designed for law students and potential exam aspirants in judicial and civil services.
• Chapters are succinct and thematically sequenced in a legal and constitutional sense.
• The latest edition consist of contemporary interpretations, up to date developments in case law, and clearer language to facilitate understanding.