Who was not a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The question asks us to identify the individual who was *not* a member of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constituent Assembly. This committee was undoubtedly the most crucial committee of the Constituent Assembly, tasked with preparing the draft of the new Constitution for independent India. The Drafting Committee was set up on August 29, 1947, under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It originally consisted of seven members, and **V. T. Krishnamachary** was not one of them.

V. T. Krishnamachary was indeed a distinguished figure and a member of the Constituent Assembly, representing the State of Jaipur. However, he served as the Vice-President of the Drafting Committee *on the Principles of the Constitution* (also known as the Union Constitution Committee), not as a member of the main Drafting Committee responsible for formulating the text of the Constitution. His contribution to the Assembly was significant, particularly on issues related to Princely States and the establishment of institutions like the Planning Commission, but he did not hold a seat on the Drafting Committee itself. This committee's membership is a key factual detail in the study of Indian polity and constitution-making.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Mohammad Sadullah** was one of the original seven members of the Drafting Committee. A prominent lawyer and politician from Assam, he played a direct role in scrutinizing and formulating the detailed provisions of the Constitution's draft.

The incorrect option is 3:
**N. Madhav Rao** was definitely a member of the Drafting Committee. He joined the committee after replacing B. L. Mitter, who had to resign due to ill health. His participation, especially after 1948, was instrumental in finalizing the constitutional text, representing the States of Orissa in the Constituent Assembly.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Alladi Krishnaswamy Aiyyar** was one of the most brilliant legal minds on the Drafting Committee. As an original member, his profound knowledge of constitutional law and jurisprudence was vital in shaping key concepts, including fundamental rights, and ensuring the constitutional framework was legally sound. His contributions are considered foundational to the Indian Constitution.

(Note: Students must distinguish between V. T. Krishnamachary and T. T. Krishnamachari. The latter, T. T. Krishnamachari, *was* a member of the Drafting Committee, having replaced D. P. Khaitan after his death in 1948. Since the option explicitly mentions V. T. Krishnamachary, who was not a member of the Drafting Committee, Option 2 is the correct answer.)