This volume, by a leading constitutional expert, is a collection of some of his essays in leading Indian newspapers and periodicals. It covers the politically tumultuous years between 1989 and 1999 and scrutinizes almost every constitutional problem that arose in this period. This decade witnessed political instability at the centre, it saw the decline of one-party rule in New Delhi, and it was the time when federalism and regional parties came into their own. These developments have now led to demands for a review of the constitution.

The essays in this volume deal with issues concerning the president, parliament, and the states. A.G. Noorani shows that though none of these institutions have worked satisfactorily, the panacea is not a radical overhaul of the constitution but a thorough transformation of the political culture of the country. The introduction surveys events since 1950, when the constitution came into being.

Lucidly written, extensively footnoted and with leads to other sources, this collection of essays will interest legal academics, lawyers, constitutional experts, and informed lay readers.