What is the Preamble? The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Indian Constitution that sets out the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the nation. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and secures Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens. It is based on the 'Objectives Resolution' moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946.
Text of the Preamble
The Preamble reads as follows:
"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."
Key Terms and Meanings
The keywords in the Preamble define the nature of the Indian State and the objectives it strives to achieve.
| Term | Meaning & Context |
|---|---|
| Sovereign | India is an independent state, free from external control. No foreign power can dictate its policy. |
| Socialist | Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). Refers to 'Democratic Socialism' (mixed economy) aimed at ending poverty, ignorance, disease, and inequality. |
| Secular | Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). The State has no religion of its own and treats all religions equally (Positive Secularism). |
| Democratic | Possession of supreme power by the people. India follows representative parliamentary democracy. |
| Republic | The head of the state (President) is elected, not hereditary. Political sovereignty vests in the people. |
Objectives of the Constitution
- Justice: Social, Economic, and Political (taken from the Russian Revolution). protected via Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights.
- Liberty: Absence of restraints and opportunity for development (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship).
- Equality: Absence of special privileges (status and opportunity).
- Fraternity: Sense of brotherhood, essential for the unity and integrity of the nation (integrity added by 42nd Amendment).
Significance of the Preamble
The Preamble is considered the "Identity Card of the Constitution" (N.A. Palkhivala) and the "Horoscope of our Sovereign Democratic Republic" (K.M. Munshi). It aids the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution where the language is ambiguous.
Quick Facts for UPSC
- Adopted on: November 26, 1949.
- Source: Objectives Resolution (moved Dec 13, 1946, adopted Jan 22, 1947).
- Amended: Only once by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
- New Words: Socialist, Secular, Integrity.
- Nature: Non-justiciable (cannot be enforced in courts).
Preamble as Part of Constitution (SC Judgments)
The status of the Preamble has evolved through Supreme Court judgments:
| Case | Supreme Court Judgment |
|---|---|
| Berubari Union case (1960) | Preamble is NOT part of the Constitution. Therefore, it cannot be amended. |
| Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) | Rejected the earlier opinion. Held that the Preamble IS an integral part of the Constitution. |
| LIC of India case (1995) | Reaffirmed that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution. |
Amendability of Preamble
In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court held that the Preamble can be amended under Article 368, provided the amendments do not destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution. The terms 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' were added later, strengthening the basic structure.
42nd Amendment Act, 1976
The Preamble has been amended only once essentially to make explicit what was already implicit.
- Added: Three new words — Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
- Context: Enacted during the Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government.
For UPSC Prelims vs Mains
For Prelims
- Keywords order: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
- Date of adoption vs commencement.
- 42nd Amendment details.
- Non-justiciable nature.
For Mains
- Significance of 'Secularism' in India vs West.
- Is the Preamble useful in interpretation?
- Relevance of 'Socialism' after 1991 reforms.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (Selected)
Q1. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India? (Prelims 2017)
A. Liberty of thought
B. Economic liberty
C. Liberty of expression
D. Liberty of belief
Answer: B. The Preamble secures Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. It secures 'Justice' — social, economic, and political. It does not mention Economic Liberty.
Q2. Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (Mains 2016)
Answer Note: Discuss Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic. Analyze specific challenges like globalization (Sovereignty), privatization (Socialism), and communalism (Secularism).
Practice MCQs
Test your understanding of the Preamble.
- Which amendment added the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the Preamble?
A. 44th Amendment
B. 42nd Amendment
C. 1st Amendment
D. 86th Amendment - The Preamble derives its authority from which document?
A. Independence Act 1947
B. Government of India Act 1935
C. Objectives Resolution
D. August Offer - In which case did the SC declare Preamble as part of the Constitution?
A. Berubari case
B. Golaknath case
C. Kesavananda Bharati case
D. Minerva Mills case - The ideal of 'Justice' in the Preamble is taken from:
A. American Constitution
B. French Revolution
C. Russian Revolution
D. Irish Constitution - The Preamble is:
A. Justiciable
B. Non-justiciable
C. Enforceable by writ
D. None of the above
View Answer Key
1. B | 2. C | 3. C | 4. C | 5. B
Related Topics
Read more to clear your concepts:
- Fundamental Rights (Part III)
- Directive Principles (DPSP)
- Basic Structure Doctrine
- Making of the Constitution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of the Preamble?
The Preamble is based on the 'Objectives Resolution' moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946, and adopted on January 22, 1947.
Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution?
Yes. The Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) clarified that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
Can the Preamble be amended?
Yes, the Preamble can be amended under Article 368, but its basic features cannot be altered. It was amended once by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
Is the Preamble enforceable in court?
No, the Preamble is non-justiciable, meaning its provisions cannot be enforced in courts of law. However, it helps in interpreting the Constitution.
What does 'Secular' mean in the Indian context?
Indian Secularism is 'positive', meaning the State treats all religions equally and protects them, unlike the Western concept of complete separation of State and Religion.