The Preamble of the Constitution of India | UPSC State PSC Notes

Historical Context and Adoption

The Preamble was adopted on November 26, 1949, the same day the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.

It came into effect on 26 January 1950.

Content of the Preamble

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION

Important Terms Used in the Preamble

• Sovereign: This implies that India is a free and independent country. It has the authority to make its own decisions without any external interference, reflecting complete autonomy in internal and external affairs.
• Socialist: The term “socialist” was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. It emphasizes the commitment to social equity and justice, striving for the elimination of inequality in income and status. This also implies an economic system where wealth is distributed in a way that benefits all citizens.
• Secular: This indicates that India has no state religion. The government respects all religions equally and maintains a principled distance from all religious institutions. The term “secular” also emphasizes the state’s commitment to religious freedom and equality for all its citizens.
• Democratic: The term “democratic” signifies that the government derives its power from the people. It ensures a system where citizens elect their representatives through free and fair elections. This ensures accountability, transparency, and representation in governance.
• Republic: The term “republic” means that the head of the state is elected, not a hereditary monarch. This ensures that the highest position in the government is open to any citizen, reinforcing the principles of equality and merit.
• Justice: The Preamble emphasizes social, economic, and political justice. Social justice aims at ending discrimination and providing equal opportunities for all. Economic justice focuses on reducing the wealth gap and ensuring fair distribution of resources. Political justice ensures that all citizens have an equal voice in the decision-making process.
• Liberty: It assures liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. This means that citizens have the freedom to think independently, express their views, follow any religion, or choose not to follow any. This promotes a culture of tolerance and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Equality: The Preamble seeks to eliminate inequalities and ensure that everyone is treated equally before the law. It strives to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
• Fraternity: It promotes a sense of brotherhood among all citizens, ensuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Fraternity aims to create a sense of solidarity and community, transcending religious, regional, and linguistic differences.

Judicial Interpretation

• The Preamble, though not enforceable by law, has been used by the judiciary to interpret ambiguous areas of the Constitution.
• Landmark judgments, such as the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), have underscored its importance, affirming that the Preamble reflects the fundamental values and guiding principles of the Constitution.

Amendment in the Preamble

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976

The 42nd Amendment, also known as the “Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976,” is one of the most comprehensive amendments in the history of the Indian constitution. This amendment introduced significant changes not only to the Preamble but also to various parts of the Constitution. Here are the changes it made to the Preamble:

• Addition of the term “Socialist”: The term “socialist” was added to emphasize the commitment to achieving social equity and justice. This addition reflects India’s aim to reduce income and wealth disparities and ensure that the wealth of the nation benefits all citizens, not just a privileged few.
• Addition of the term “Secular”: The term “secular” was added to underscore that India does not have an official state religion and that the state treats all religions equally. This addition reinforced the commitment to religious freedom and the principle that religion and state affairs are separate.
• Change from “unity of the Nation” to “unity and integrity of the Nation”: This change was made to emphasize the importance of maintaining not just the unity but also the territorial integrity of India. It highlights the commitment to preserving the nation’s boundaries and ensuring its undivided status.

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