Schedule III of the Indian Constitution contains the oaths and affirmations that are to be taken by public officials and elected representatives. These oaths and affirmations are important because they serve as a commitment to uphold the values and principles of the Constitution.
The schedule contains three parts:
Part I: Oaths and Affirmations for Members of Parliament
Part II: Oaths and Affirmations for Ministers
Part III: Oaths and Affirmations for Judges and other Officials
Part I of Schedule III lists the oaths and affirmations that Members of Parliament (MPs) are required to take before assuming office. Members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are required to take an oath or affirmation in the presence of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The oath or affirmation is as follows:
“I, [name], having been elected (or nominated) a Member of Parliament do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter.”
Part II of Schedule III lists the oaths and affirmations that Ministers are required to take before assuming office. The oath or affirmation is similar to the one taken by MPs, but includes an additional clause in which the Minister promises to uphold the Constitution and the law.
“I, [name], do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as a Minister for the Union and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”
Part III of Schedule III lists the oaths and affirmations that Judges and other officials are required to take before assuming office. This part is divided into two sub-parts: A and B.
Sub-Part A lists the oaths and affirmations that Judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and other Courts are required to take. The oath or affirmation is as follows:
“I, [name], do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my ability, knowledge and judgment perform the duties of my office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws.”
Sub-Part B lists the oaths and affirmations that other officials, including the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, are required to take. The oath or affirmation is as follows:
“I, [name], do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws.”
In conclusion, Schedule III of the Indian Constitution outlines the oaths and affirmations that public officials and elected representatives must take in order to assume their respective offices. These oaths and affirmations serve as a reminder of the commitment and responsibility that comes with public service and ensure that the principles and values of the Constitution are upheld at all levels of governance.