The term Preamble refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution. It explains the constitution’s philosophy and objectives and the core values and principle of the nation. Preamble to Indian Constitution is based on the Objective Resolution drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted by the framers of the Constitution.
The preamble basically gives idea of the following things :
• Source of the authority of the constitution – It derives it authority from the people of India.
• Nature of Indian State – It declares India to be sovereign,socialistic, secular, democratic and republican state.
• Statement of its objectives – It specifies justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation as the objectives.
• Date of its adoption – It was adopted on November 26, 1949.
Key terms in Preamble :
1. We, the people of India – It indicates that the power to run the government of India lies in the hands of the people of India. Their views are represented by the members of legislature elected by them.
2. Sovereign – The term refers to India is not governed or controlled by any external power. It has its own independent authority.
3. Socialist – It refers to mixed economy where both Public and Private sector co-exist side by side. Indian style of socialism is a democratic socialism where both public and private enterprises is encouraged.
4. Secular – The term implies that there is not a single religion for every indian. They have freedom to follow any religion. All the religions in India get equal respect, protection and support from the state.
5. Democratic – The term implies that the Constitution of India has an established form of Constitution which gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an election.
6. Republic – It explains that the head of the country, President, is (indirectly) elected by the people.
Objectives of Indian Constitution :
The Constitution is the supreme law and it helps to maintain integrity in the society and to promote unity among the citizens to build a great nation.The main objective of the Indian Constitution is to promote harmony throughout the nation.
The factors which help in achieving this objective are:
• Justice: It is necessary to maintain order in society that is promised through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy provided by the Constitution of India. It comprises three elements, which is social, economic, and political.
1. Social Justice – Social justice means that the Constitution wants to create a society without discrimination on any grounds like caste, creed, gender, religion, etc.
2. Economic Justice – Economic Justice means no discrimination can be caused by people on the basis of their wealth, income, and economic status. Every person must be paid equally for an equal position and all people must get opportunities to earn for their living.
3. Political Justice – Political Justice means all the people have an equal, free and fair right without any discrimination to participate in political opportunities.
• Equality: This term refers to no section of society has any special privileges and all the people have given equal opportunities for everything without any discriminations. Everyone is equal before the law.
• Liberty: This term means freedom for the people to choose their way of life, have political views and behavior in society. Liberty does not mean freedom to do anything, a person can do anything but in the limit set by the law.
• Fraternity: It means a feeling of brotherhood and an emotional attachment with the country and all the people. Fraternity helps to promote dignity and unity in the nation.
The Preamble of the Constitution is considered as part of the Constitution. The Preamble is not the supreme power or source of any restriction or prohibition but it plays an important role in the interpretation of statutes and provisions of the Constitution. So, it can be concluded that preamble is part of the introductory part of the Constitution but is not directly enforceable in a court of justice in India.
Amendment of the Preamble :
The preamble is only amended once through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. The term ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were added to the preamble through 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.As a part of the Constitution, Preamble can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution, but the basic structure of the preamble can not be amended.
Sources : The Hindu, Insights on India and Dristi IAS
Preamble is the soul of our constitution, which lays down the pattern of our political society. It contains a solemn resolve, which nothing but a revolution can alter’- Former Chief Justice of India, M Hidayatullah
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