Q: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
A: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is the opening statement that outlines the core values, purpose, and philosophy on which the Indian Constitution is built. It serves as a mirror of the Constitution, reflecting the vision of India’s founding fathers and the ideals they wanted the nation to uphold.
Text of the Preamble
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reads:
“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.”
Meaning and Significance of the Preamble
The Preamble is often described as the “soul of the Constitution.” It summarises the essence of the entire document in just a few powerful lines. Each word in it has a deep meaning:
- We, the people of India – This shows that the power and authority of the Constitution come from the people themselves. India’s democracy is based on the will of its citizens, not on the rule of a king or foreign power.
- Sovereign – India is free to make its own laws and decisions without external control.
- Socialist – It emphasises economic and social equality, ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed fairly.
- Secular – The State has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
- Democratic – Power rests with the people, who elect their representatives through free and fair elections.
- Republic – The head of the State (the President) is elected, not hereditary.
Objectives Mentioned in the Preamble
The Preamble also lists the key objectives the Constitution seeks to achieve for every citizen:
- Justice – Social, economic, and political justice to create a fair society.
- Liberty – Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Equality – Equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.
- Fraternity – Promoting a sense of brotherhood and unity among the people of India.
Historical Background
The Preamble was drafted based on the Objectives Resolution, which was moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946 and adopted on 22 January 1947. This resolution laid the foundation for the guiding principles of the Constitution.
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” to further strengthen India’s constitutional philosophy.
Legal Status of the Preamble
Originally, there was debate about whether the Preamble is part of the Constitution. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court of India ruled that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and can be used to interpret its provisions. However, it cannot be used to override the specific articles of the Constitution.
Why is the Preamble Important?
The Preamble serves as the philosophical foundation of the Indian Constitution. It reflects the dreams of the framers and sets the tone for governance in India. It helps courts and citizens understand the spirit behind the laws, ensuring that every policy aligns with justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Conclusion
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is more than a simple introduction — it is the moral compass of India’s democracy. It reminds every citizen of the values that bind the nation together and guides all institutions toward building a fair and equal society.
Did You Know?
The Preamble was inspired by the American Constitution’s preamble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
1. Who wrote the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
The Preamble was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, with inputs from the Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”
2. When was the Preamble adopted?
The Preamble was adopted on 26 November 1949 along with the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950.
3. What are the keywords in the Preamble?
The main keywords are Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
4. What was added to the Preamble in 1976?
The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) added the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” to emphasise India’s commitment to equality and unity.
5. Why is the Preamble called the “Soul of the Constitution”?
Because it captures the essence and spirit of the entire Constitution — the vision, purpose, and values that guide the Indian nation.