Previous Year Question

The last meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India was held on 24 January 1950 at Constitution Hall, New Delhi. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The official Constituent Assembly Debates maintained by Parliament record the proceedings of this meeting.

The distinction between 26 November 1949 and 24 January 1950 is important. The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, whereas the last meeting of the Constituent Assembly took place on 24 January 1950. The signing of the copies of the Constitution was also part of the proceedings of this final meeting.

During the meeting of 24 January, Dr. Rajendra Prasad also made the declaration concerning the National Anthem, and proceedings relating to the election of Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the President of the Republic of India took place. The Constitution subsequently came fully into force on 26 January 1950.

Thus, the useful distinction is—26 November 1949 = Constitution adopted; 24 January 1950 = last meeting of the Constituent Assembly; 26 January 1950 = Constitution came into force.