Preamble
We, the Founding Citizens of Zyngram, having solemnly resolved to constitute Zyngram into a just, transparent, and prosperous digital commonwealth, and to secure to all its Citizens liberty, equality, integrity, innovation, and sustainability, do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution of Zyngram.
Part I – Citizenship
Article 1 – Definition of Citizenship
- Every individual who, in accordance with the prescribed procedure, registers with the Zyngram platform shall be deemed to be a Citizen of Zyngram.
- Citizenship shall confer the following rights and obligations:
(a) participation in the governance framework;
(b) entitlement to digital identity under the Zyngram Identification Number (ZIN);
(c) access to fundamental rights guaranteed by this Constitution. - No person shall be denied Citizenship on grounds of race, creed, religion, gender, language, or region.
Article 2 – Acquisition and Termination of Citizenship
- Citizenship may be acquired through:
(a) registration under the prescribed process;
(b) lawful transfer or recognition of enterprise accounts;
(c) special grant by order of the Governance Council. - Citizenship shall be terminated if:
(a) the individual voluntarily renounces Zyngram Citizenship;
(b) Citizenship is revoked as a penalty for grave violations under the Universal Violation Codes (UVC);
(c) fraudulent identity or unlawful registration is proved. - Provided that termination of Citizenship shall not take effect without an opportunity to be heard by the Constitutional Court.
Part II – Fundamental Rights
Article 3 – Right to Equality
- All Citizens are equal before the Zyngram law and are entitled to equal protection of the rights herein guaranteed.
- The State of Zyngram shall not discriminate against any Citizen on grounds of:
(a) religion;
(b) race;
(c) caste;
(d) gender;
(e) language;
(f) region;
(g) or digital identity. - Nothing in this Article shall prevent special provisions for:
(a) protection of vulnerable groups;
(b) promotion of diversity and inclusion;
(c) bridging digital inequities.
Article 4 – Right to Privacy and Data Protection
- No Citizen shall be subjected to unlawful surveillance, data theft, or forced disclosure of personal data.
- Personal data may be accessed only under:
(a) lawful authority of the Governance Council;
(b) due process sanctioned by the Constitutional Court;
(c) strict safeguards against misuse. - Citizens shall have the right to:
(a) know what personal data is collected;
(b) consent or refuse consent to processing;
(c) request deletion of data unless retention is required by law.
Article 5 – Right to Digital Expression
- Citizens shall have the freedom of speech and expression within Zyngram.
- This right shall not extend to expression which—
(a) incites violence;
(b) promotes hatred or discrimination;
(c) spreads disinformation with intent to mislead;
(d) infringes upon the rights of other Citizens. - Provided that reasonable restrictions may be imposed by law to safeguard the security, integrity, and reputation of Zyngram.
Part III – Fundamental Duties
Article 6 – Duties of Citizens
It shall be the duty of every Citizen of Zyngram to—
- abide by and uphold the Constitution;
- protect and preserve the digital sovereignty of Zyngram;
- respect the rights and privacy of fellow Citizens;
- refrain from fraudulent, exploitative, or malicious conduct;
- contribute to innovation, cooperation, and collective prosperity;
- assist in upholding the Universal Violation Codes.
Part IV – Governance Framework
Article 7 – The Governance Council
- There shall be a Zyngram Governance Council (ZGC) vested with the supreme authority of legislation and oversight.
- The ZGC shall consist of—
(a) Representatives elected by Citizens through digital referenda;
(b) Members nominated from among experts, enterprises, and investors;
(c) Ex-officio members as may be prescribed by law. - The ZGC shall hold office for a term of five years, unless dissolved earlier.
Article 8 – Powers of the Governance Council
The ZGC shall exercise the following powers:
- to enact laws, policies, and rules consistent with the Constitution;
- to approve budgets and financial plans;
- to supervise the Executive and hold it accountable;
- to ratify international agreements;
- to amend this Constitution in accordance with Article 25.
Part V – The Legislature
Article 9 – Composition of the Legislature
- The Legislature of Zyngram shall consist of two Houses:
(a) the House of Citizens, directly elected by the Citizens of Zyngram;
(b) the House of Enterprises, composed of representatives from registered enterprises, investors, and recognized institutions. - The two Houses together shall constitute the Parliament of Zyngram.
Article 10 – Powers of the Legislature
- The Parliament shall have the power to make laws with respect to—
(a) regulation of digital trade, commerce, and industry;
(b) taxation, revenue, and financial structures;
(c) governance of enterprises and investors;
(d) citizen rights and duties;
(e) penal codes, violation systems, and compliance mechanisms. - No law shall be inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.
Article 11 – Legislative Procedure
- Every Bill shall, before becoming law, be passed by both Houses of Parliament.
- Provided that in case of disagreement between the Houses, the matter may be referred to a Joint Session, whose decision shall be final.
- Every Bill passed by Parliament shall be presented to the Executive Head (Chief Governor) for assent.
- If the Chief Governor withholds assent, the Bill shall be reconsidered by Parliament; if passed again, it shall become law notwithstanding such withholding.
Part VI – The Executive
Article 12 – The Executive Authority
- The executive authority of Zyngram shall vest in the Chief Coordinator, who shall be the supreme head of the Executive.
- The Chief Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Executive Council, except in matters where discretion is expressly provided.
Article 13 – The Executive Council
- There shall be a Council Head headed by the Chief Strategist of Zyngram.
- The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the Governance Council and shall command majority support in the Legislature.
- The Council of Ministers shall—
(a) implement laws made by Parliament;
(b) manage day-to-day administration of Zyngram;
(c) ensure security, stability, and welfare of the Citizens.
Article 14 – Powers of the Executive
The Executive shall—
- enforce the laws of Zyngram;
- maintain order, stability, and governance;
- oversee digital infrastructure, wallets, and ecosystem security;
- represent Zyngram in international relations and agreements;
- exercise emergency powers as provided in Part XIV.
Part VII – The Judiciary
Article 15 – The Constitutional Court
- There shall be a Constitutional Court of Zyngram, which shall be the guardian and final interpreter of this Constitution.
- The Constitutional Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and such number of Judges as may be prescribed by law.
Article 16 – Powers of the Judiciary
- The Constitutional Court shall have jurisdiction to—
(a) hear and decide disputes arising under this Constitution;
(b) review the constitutionality of laws, policies, and actions;
(c) protect and enforce fundamental rights;
(d) adjudicate disputes between Citizens, enterprises, and institutions. - The decision of the Constitutional Court shall be binding on all authorities and Citizens.
Article 17 – Judicial Independence
- The Judges of the Constitutional Court shall be appointed for fixed terms, secured against arbitrary removal.
- Judges shall be removed only by impeachment on grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.
- Salaries, privileges, and conditions of service of Judges shall not be varied to their disadvantage after appointment.
Part VIII – Finance and Economy
Article 18 – Consolidated Fund of Zyngram
- All revenues received by Zyngram, all loans raised, and all monies received in repayment shall form one Consolidated Fund of Zyngram.
- No expenditure shall be incurred except under the authority of law made by Parliament.
- Provided that routine administrative expenses may be charged to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with rules prescribed.
Article 19 – Public Accounts and Audit
- All accounts of Zyngram shall be maintained in such form as prescribed by law.
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of Zyngram shall—
(a) audit all revenues and expenditures;
(b) report findings to the Governance Council;
(c) ensure financial transparency and accountability. - The report of the CAG shall be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
Article 20 – Financial Powers of Parliament
- Parliament shall have exclusive authority to—
(a) impose taxes, duties, and fees;
(b) regulate trade and commerce;
(c) allocate financial resources between Citizens, enterprises, and state organs. - No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.
Part IX – Trade, Commerce, and Industry
Article 21 – Freedom of Digital Trade
- Subject to law, every Citizen and enterprise shall have the right to engage in lawful trade, commerce, and industry within Zyngram.
- No restrictions shall be imposed on trade between different regions or categories of Zyngram, except—
(a) for public interest;
(b) for consumer protection;
(c) for safeguarding digital sovereignty.
Article 22 – Regulation of Enterprises
- Enterprises operating within Zyngram shall—
(a) register under the prescribed process;
(b) comply with financial, consumer, and safety regulations;
(c) respect fundamental rights of Citizens. - Failure to comply may result in—
(a) suspension of operations;
(b) financial penalties;
(c) permanent ban for grave violations.
Article 23 – Investor Rights and Obligations
- Investors shall enjoy—
(a) protection of lawful returns;
(b) equal access to opportunities;
(c) transparent disclosure of risks. - Investors shall be bound to—
(a) act in good faith;
(b) refrain from exploitative practices;
(c) contribute to the collective development of Zyngram.
Part X – Citizenship Duties and Social Responsibilities
Article 24 – Ethical Participation
- Every Citizen shall—
(a) refrain from fraud, cheating, or exploitation;
(b) respect digital ecosystems and communities;
(c) report unlawful or harmful activities. - Citizens failing in these duties may face penalties under the Penal System.
Article 25 – Knowledge and Innovation Duty
- It shall be the duty of every Citizen to—
(a) pursue knowledge, learning, and digital literacy;
(b) contribute to innovation within Zyngram;
(c) support open collaboration and collective progress. - Provided that failure in this duty shall not attract penalties but may reduce eligibility for benefits or recognition.
Part XI – Amendment of the Constitution
Article 26 – Procedure for Amendment
- This Constitution may be amended by law passed by a two-thirds majority of both Houses of Parliament.
- Any amendment which affects fundamental rights, governance structure, or sovereignty shall also require approval by a majority of Citizens through digital referendum.
- No amendment shall—
(a) alter the democratic nature of Zyngram;
(b) abrogate fundamental rights;
(c) compromise digital sovereignty.
Part XII – Penal System and Violation Codes
Article 27 – The Universal Violation Code (UVC)
- The UVC shall form the backbone of Zyngram’s penal system.
- Every Citizen, enterprise, and institution shall be bound by the UVC.
- The UVC shall classify violations into categories:
(a) Critical;
(b) High;
(c) Medium;
(d) Low.
Article 28 – Penalties under the UVC
- Penalties may include—
(a) warnings;
(b) temporary suspension;
(c) financial fines;
(d) permanent ban;
(e) referral to external law enforcement where applicable. - The scale of penalty shall be proportional to—
(a) severity of violation;
(b) intent of violator;
(c) harm caused to Zyngram and its Citizens.
Article 29 – Appeals and Review
- Any Citizen penalized under the UVC shall have the right to appeal before the Constitutional Court.
- The Court may—
(a) confirm the penalty;
(b) reduce or increase the penalty;
(c) set aside the penalty if found unlawful. - Provided that Critical violations (e.g., terrorism, warfare, mass fraud) shall not be subject to appeal except on procedural grounds.
Part XIII – Ombudsman and Grievance Redressal
Article 30 – Establishment of the Zyngram Ombudsman
- There shall be an independent authority known as the Zyngram Ombudsman.
- The Ombudsman shall act as the protector of Citizens’ rights against misuse of power by the Executive, Enterprises, or Institutions.
Article 31 – Powers and Functions of the Ombudsman
- The Ombudsman shall—
(a) receive complaints from Citizens;
(b) investigate cases of corruption, abuse, or maladministration;
(c) recommend corrective measures and penalties. - The Ombudsman shall submit annual reports to Parliament, which shall be made public.
Article 32 – Independence of the Ombudsman
- The Ombudsman shall be appointed for a fixed term by a panel consisting of:
(a) the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court;
(b) the Prime Minister;
(c) the Speaker of the House of Citizens. - The Ombudsman shall not be removed except by impeachment for proven misconduct or incapacity.
Part XIV – Emergency Provisions
Article 33 – Declaration of Emergency
- If the security, stability, or sovereignty of Zyngram is threatened, the Chief Governor may, on advice of the Council of Ministers, declare an Emergency.
- Emergencies may be of three types:
(a) Security Emergency – arising from cyberattacks, terrorism, or external aggression;
(b) Financial Emergency – arising from collapse of trade or economy;
(c) Constitutional Emergency – arising from breakdown of governance.
Article 34 – Effects of Emergency
- During Emergency—
(a) certain rights under Part II may be suspended;
(b) the Executive may assume extraordinary powers;
(c) financial distribution may be altered by decree. - Provided that—
(a) Fundamental Human Dignity (Art. 4) shall not be suspended;
(b) No Emergency shall last more than 6 months without Parliamentary approval.
Article 35 – Termination of Emergency
- Emergency shall cease if—
(a) Parliament votes against continuation by simple majority;
(b) or Citizens reject it in a referendum after 12 months.
Part XV – Elections and Representation
Article 36 – Conduct of Elections
- Elections to the House of Citizens and House of Enterprises shall be conducted every 5 years.
- The process shall be overseen by the Zyngram Election Commission, an independent constitutional body.
Article 37 – Election Commission
- The Election Commission shall—
(a) prepare and maintain digital voter rolls;
(b) conduct free and fair elections;
(c) prevent fraud, duplication, and undue influence. - The Commission shall ensure the use of secure digital identity (ZIN) for voter authentication.
Article 38 – Political Representation
- Citizens shall have the right to form Digital Political Associations, subject to law.
- Enterprises may form Policy Councils but shall not dominate or undermine Citizens’ representation.
Part XVI – Digital Security and Sovereignty
Article 39 – Cybersecurity Framework
- Zyngram shall establish a National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) to safeguard:
(a) digital infrastructure;
(b) wallets and payment systems;
(c) citizen data and communications.
Article 40 – Digital Sovereignty
- All data generated within Zyngram shall be treated as digital national property, subject to laws of Zyngram.
- No foreign enterprise shall control majority stake in Zyngram’s core infrastructure without approval of Parliament.
Article 41 – Right to Digital Privacy
- Every Citizen has the right to privacy of data, identity, and communication.
- No intrusion shall be made except by lawful order of the Constitutional Court.
Part XVII – International Relations
Article 42 – Global Partnerships
- Zyngram may enter into agreements with external states, organizations, or ecosystems for—
(a) trade and commerce;
(b) technology and research;
(c) peace and security.
Article 43 – Non-Alignment and Independence
- Zyngram shall remain neutral in global conflicts, except where values of democracy and human rights are at stake.
- No treaty shall compromise digital sovereignty or Citizen rights.
Part XVIII – Social Justice and Welfare
Article 44 – Equality and Non-Discrimination
- No Citizen shall be discriminated against on the basis of—
(a) race;
(b) religion;
(c) gender;
(d) economic status;
(e) digital literacy.
Article 45 – Welfare Obligations
- Zyngram shall provide frameworks for:
(a) education and digital literacy;
(b) healthcare and well-being;
(c) financial inclusion and access to wallets.
Article 46 – Protection of the Vulnerable
Special care shall be taken for—
(a) new users unfamiliar with digital systems;
(b) citizens with disabilities;
(c) regions with limited digital infrastructure.
Part XIX – Environment and Sustainability
Article 47 – Sustainable Development
- All enterprises and Citizens shall act in a manner consistent with environmental protection and sustainability.
- Zyngram shall promote green technology, low-energy blockchain, and eco-friendly digital practices.
Article 48 – Digital Carbon Responsibility
- Enterprises exceeding prescribed energy usage shall pay an Eco-Sustainability Levy.
- Funds shall be used for renewable energy and carbon offset projects.
Part XX – Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions
Article 49 – Transitional Authority
- Until full institutions under this Constitution are established, interim authorities shall function under rules framed by the Governance Council.
Article 50 – Supremacy of the Constitution
- This Constitution is the supreme law of Zyngram.
- Any law, policy, or action inconsistent with this Constitution shall be void.
Article 51 – Oath of Allegiance
Every Citizen, enterprise, and institution shall affirm allegiance to this Constitution and to the ideals of democracy, equality, and digital sovereignty.
Article 52 – Commencement
This Constitution shall come into effect from the date appointed by the Governance Council upon ratification by the Citizens of Zyngram through a digital referendum.