preamble
- Preamble were laid down by Jawaharlal [[Nehru]]’s Objectives Resolution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
- SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
- The 42nd Amendment enlarged the Preamble of the Indian Constitution from “Sovereign Democratic Republic” to a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic,” and also changed the words “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation.”
- New words - socialist, secular and integrity.
- Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were the important slogans during the French Revolution in 1789.
- Former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, enacted the 42nd Amendment in 1976, during the National Emergency.
Status of The Preamble in India
- Berubari Union Case, 1960
Supreme Court held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973
Preamble is of extreme importance and the Constitution should be read and interpreted in the light of the grand and noble vision expressed in the Preamble
- S R Bommai Case, 1994 The Supreme Court again held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] (1) 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] (2)
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
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Subs. by the Constitution([[42nd Ammendment]]) Act, 1976, s.2, for “SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC” (w.e.f. 3-1-1977).
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Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “Unity of the Nation” (w.e.f. 3-1-1977).