Apart from framing and adopting the Constitution, the Constituent Assembly performed several important functions during the transition from British rule to the Republic of India. After independence on 15 August 1947, the Assembly also functioned as the legislative body of India until the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.
1. Functioned as the Legislative Body
After independence, the Constituent Assembly performed a dual role:
Constituent Assembly — when it discussed and framed the Constitution.
Legislative Assembly — when it performed ordinary legislative functions.
When functioning as the legislative body, its proceedings were presided over by G. V. Mavalankar as Speaker. This legislative role continued until the new Parliament was constituted after the first general elections.
2. Adopted the National Flag
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag of India on 22 July 1947, shortly before independence.
The flag consists of three horizontal bands of saffron, white and green, with the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue at the centre of the white band.
3. Adopted the National Anthem
On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted “Jana Gana Mana” as the National Anthem of India.
The song was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
4. Adopted the National Song
On 24 January 1950, the Assembly also gave recognition to “Vande Mataram” as the National Song of India.
It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and became an important symbol of India's freedom struggle.
5. Elected the First President of India
On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President of the Republic of India.
He formally assumed office on 26 January 1950, when India became a republic.
6. Decided India's Membership of the Commonwealth
The Constituent Assembly also dealt with India's position in the Commonwealth after independence. In May 1949, it approved India's continued association with the Commonwealth as an independent and sovereign republic.
This was significant because India became a republic while maintaining its membership of the Commonwealth.
7. Performed Important Legislative Work
As the legislative body, the Assembly debated and passed various laws required for the administration of the newly independent country.
Thus, the Assembly was not merely a constitution-making body; it also functioned as the central legislature of independent India during the transitional period.
8. Provided Constitutional Continuity During the Transition
Between independence in 1947 and the commencement of the Constitution in 1950, India was undergoing a major political and administrative transformation. The Constituent Assembly helped provide the necessary legislative and constitutional framework during this transition.
Important Exam Facts
Event Date
Objective Resolution moved by Nehru 13 December 1946
Objective Resolution adopted 22 January 1947
National Flag adopted 22 July 1947
India became independent 15 August 1947
India joined/continued association with Commonwealth as a republic May 1949
National Anthem adopted 24 January 1950
National Song recognised 24 January 1950
Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected first President 24 January 1950
Constitution came into force 26 January 1950
Sources
Parliament of India / Digital Sansad – Constituent Assembly records and proceedings
Constituent Assembly Debates
National Archives of India
Constitution of India
M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity — section on the Constituent Assembly and its functions
IGNOU study material on the making of the Indian Constitution
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