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

1. Berubari Union Case, 1960

Supreme Court held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. Subs. by the Constitution([[42nd Ammendment]]) Act, 1976, s.2, for “SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC” (w.e.f. 3-1-1977).

2. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “Unity of the Nation” (w.e.f. 3-1-1977).