The Preamble highlights few
fundamental values and guiding principles on which the Constitution
of India is based. It serves as the guiding light for both, the
Constitution as well as the judges who interpret the Constitution in
its light. The opening few words of the Preamble - "We, the
people" - signifies that the power is vested in the hands of
the people of India. The Preamble is 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.
Initially the preamble was not the part of the Constitution of
India but the Supreme Court, in the case of 'Kesavananda Bharati v.
State of Kerala' found it to be part of the Constitution and can be
used in interpret ambiguous areas of the Constitution. The words "SOCIALIST"
and "SECULAR" were introduced in 42nd amendment.
Terms of Preamble, Explained
Sovereign - It means supreme or independent. The country is
both, internally as well as externally sovereign. Externally it is
free from any foreign power and internally it exercises a free
government directly elected by the people and makes laws that govern
the people.
Socialist - The word was added by the 42nd amendment act of
1976. It implies to social and economic equality. Social equality
means there is no discrimination on the grounds of caste, color,
creed, sex, religion, language, etc. Each one enjoys equal status
and opportunities. By economic equality it means that the government
will endeavour for equal distribution of wealth and to provide a
decent standard of living for all, hence a committment in forming a
welfare state. Abolition of Untouchability and Zamindari, the Equal
Wages Act and the Child Labour Prohibition Act were few steps taken
by the government in this context.
Secular - The word was inserted by the 42nd amendment act of
1976. Secular implies equality of all religions and religious
tolerance. No state in India have an official state religion.
Anybody can preach, practice and propagate any religion of his or
her choice. In the eyes of law all citizens are equal irrespective
of their religious beliefs. No religious instruction is imparted in
government schools or government-aided schools.
Democratic - This mean that the government of all levels are
elected by the people through a system of universal adult franchise.
Every citizen irrespective of caste, creed, color, sex, religion or
education who is 18 years of age and above is entitled to vote, if
not debarred by law.
Republic - The term means that the head of the state is
elected, directly or indirectly, for a fixed tenure. The President
of India is elected by electoral college for a fixed period of five
years.
