Preamble of the Indian Constitution – Meaning, Notes, Amendment
Introduction
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is the essence and guiding spirit of the document. It embodies the ideals, values, and aspirations of the people of India. Though not legally enforceable, it is an integral part of the Constitution and provides a framework for its interpretation.
The Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, committed to Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
It was inspired by the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru (1946) and adopted on 22 January 1947.
Evolution of the Preamble
Components of the Preamble
goog_195921799- Source of Authority
- Begins with “We, the People of India” → power flows from the people.
- Nature of the State
- India is declared as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
- Objectives of the Constitution
- Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
- Date of Adoption
- 26th November 1949.
Ideals of the State
Aspirations of the People
Preamble as Part of Constitution – Judicial Interpretation
- Berubari Case (1960): Preamble not part of Constitution.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Overruled Berubari; Preamble is part of Constitution and reflects basic structure.
- LIC of India Case (1995): Reaffirmed; Preamble cannot be enforced in court but is guiding.
Amendment of the Preamble
- 42nd Amendment Act (1976):
- Added “Socialist”, “Secular”, “Integrity”.
- Based on Swaran Singh Committee.
- Can be amended under Article 368, but basic structure cannot be destroyed.
Significance of the Preamble
- Philosophical foundation – reflects ideals of freedom struggle.
- Guiding principles – used in constitutional interpretation.
- Moral compass – directs state policy.
- Unity in diversity – fraternity ensures national integration.
- International ideals – reflects values of UN Charter & Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Pointers
- Drafted from Objective Resolution (1946).
- Adopted on 26 Nov 1949, effective 26 Jan 1950.
- Judicial status: Part of Constitution, but not enforceable.
- Amended once (42nd Amendment).
- Provides basic structure elements: sovereignty, secularism, socialism, democracy, republic, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity.
UPSC PYQs on Preamble of Indian Constitution
Q1. (2016, GS-II) ; Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the Preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
The Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Each adjective reflects the constitutional philosophy and the aspirations of the people.
Sovereign: India is free from external control, both internally and externally. Despite globalisation and international treaties, India maintains sovereign decision-making, e.g., independent foreign policy, stand on climate change and WTO negotiations.
Socialist: Inserted by the 42nd Amendment (1976), it reflects equitable distribution of wealth and welfare measures. Policies like MNREGA, Right to Education, and targeted subsidies highlight socialism in practice, though rising inequality remains a challenge.
Secular: The state has no official religion and treats all religions equally. While Articles 25–28 guarantee religious freedom, instances of communal violence test secular ideals. Yet, constitutional mechanisms and judicial interventions (e.g., S.R. Bommai case) uphold secularism.
Democratic: India is the world’s largest democracy, ensuring universal adult suffrage, regular elections, and multiparty competition. However, challenges like electoral malpractices, money power, and criminalization of politics persist.
Republic: Head of state (President) is elected, not hereditary. This ensures equality of citizens in political participation. Despite challenges of dynastic politics, the republican spirit remains intact.
Conclusion:
All adjectives remain defendable in present circumstances, though they face practical challenges. Courts, constitutional institutions, and an active civil society continue to safeguard these values, keeping the “basic structure” intact.
Prelims Questions
Q2. (2020) The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:
(a) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect
(b) Not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either
(c) Part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part
(d) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Answer: (d)
SC in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) held the Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
It cannot be enforced independently in courts, but guides interpretation.
Q3. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
(a) Liberty of thought
(b) Economic liberty
(c) Liberty of expression
(d) Liberty of belief
Answer: (b)
Preamble embodies social, economic, and political justice, but economic liberty is not explicitly mentioned.
Q4. (2017) The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
(a) The Preamble
(b) The Fundamental Rights
(c) The Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) The Fundamental Duties
Answer: (a)
The Preamble is called the “key to the Constitution” as per Nehru’s Objective Resolution and SC judgements.
Q5. (2013) ‘Economic Justice’ the objective of the Constitution has been provided in:
(a) The Preamble and Fundamental Rights
(b) The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b)
Preamble explicitly mentions “economic justice.”
DPSPs (Part IV) further enshrine socio-economic justice principles.
Conclusion
The Preamble is rightly called the “Soul of the Constitution”. Though not justiciable, it plays a vital interpretative role, guiding governance and reflecting India’s constitutional philosophy. It symbolizes the aspirations of the people and forms the foundation of the basic structure doctrine.
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FAQs :
Q1. What is the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble is the introductory statement that outlines the philosophy, objectives, and guiding principles of the Constitution.
Q2. Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution?
Yes. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution.
Q3. Can the Preamble be amended?
Yes, under Article 368. However, the basic structure reflected in the Preamble cannot be altered. It was amended once by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976).
Q4. Which words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?
“Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity.”
Q5. Is the Preamble enforceable in a court of law?
No. The Preamble is not justiciable, meaning it cannot be enforced directly in courts. However, it serves as a guide in interpreting the Constitution.
Q6. Who drafted the Preamble of India?
It was based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 and drafted by the Constituent Assembly, adopted on January 22, 1947.
Q7. What are the key ideals mentioned in the Preamble?
Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
Q8. What does the word “Sovereign” signify in the Preamble?
It signifies that India is independent, internally and externally, and not subject to the control of any external authority.
Q9. What is the significance of “We, the people of India” in the Preamble?
It emphasizes that sovereignty lies with the people, making them the ultimate source of authority.
Q10. Why is the Preamble called the “identity card” of the Constitution?
Because it reflects the essence, vision, and spirit of the Constitution, guiding both lawmakers and interpreters.