Chapter 0

The Preamble

Identity card of the Constitution — expressing the ideals of the Indian Republic.

1

Text 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.
2

Every Word Explained

Sovereign

India is a fully independent State — free from external control in internal or external affairs.

Not a Dominion of the British Crown. India can acquire or cede territory.

Socialist

Commitment to socio-economic equality; wealth to be distributed to reduce inequality.

Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). India follows 'democratic socialism' (not doctrinaire Marxist).

Secular

The State has no official religion; treats all religions equally; freedom of conscience.

Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). Held part of Basic Structure (S.R. Bommai, 1994).

Democratic

Government derives authority from the will of the people expressed through elections.

Includes political, social and economic democracy. Universal adult franchise operationalises it.

Republic

Head of the State is elected (President), not hereditary.

Distinguishes India from a constitutional monarchy like UK.

Justice

Social, Economic and Political justice — inspired by Russian Revolution (1917).

Realised through Parts III (FRs) and IV (DPSPs).

Liberty

Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

Ensured by Fundamental Rights (Art. 19, 25).

Equality

Equality of status and opportunity for all citizens.

Realised through Arts. 14–18 and 39.

Fraternity

Feeling of brotherhood assuring dignity of the individual and unity/integrity of the Nation.

Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A) reinforce this ideal.

3

Relevant Amendments

  • 42nd Amendment, 1976: Added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular' and 'Integrity' to the Preamble.
4

Landmark Judgments on the Preamble

Berubari Union Case (1960)

Preamble is not a part of the Constitution — a key to open the minds of makers but not enforceable.

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

Preamble IS a part of the Constitution; can be amended under Art. 368 but the basic features enshrined cannot be destroyed.

LIC of India v. Consumer Education & Research Centre (1995)

Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.

S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)

Secularism, an idea embodied in the Preamble, is part of the basic structure.

5

Quick Revision

  • Preamble is based on Objectives Resolution (Nehru, 13 Dec 1946).
  • Amended once — 42nd Amendment, 1976 — added Socialist, Secular, Integrity.
  • Preamble is part of the Constitution (Kesavananda, 1973); can be amended without destroying basic structure.
  • Preamble is non-justiciable — cannot be enforced in court.