Polity
Preamble to the Indian Constitution

About
- The term ‘Preamble’ refers to the creation or preface to the Constitution. It incorporates the precis or essence of the Constitution, at the side of the beliefs and aspirations upon which the Indian country is founded.
- While describing the means of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, an eminent jurist N.A. Palkhivala has called it the ‘Identity Card of the Constitution’. Similarly, K.M. Munshi has defined it as the ‘Political Horoscope of the Constitution’.
Historical Background
- On December 13, 1946, Nehru moved the ‘Objective Resolution’ inside the Constituent Assembly. This decision defined the simple goal or motive of the Indian Constitution. It also acted as the guiding precept for the contributors of the constituent assembly in framing the constitution. The same decision was adopted as the Preamble to the Indian Constitution on January 22, 1947.
Text of the Preamble
We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to represent India right into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to steady to all its residents:
JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political; LIBERTY of concept, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity and to promote amongst them all; FRATERNITY assuring the glory of the individual and the solidarity 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. |
Components of the Preamble
- Source of authority for the Constitution – The Preamble states that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India.
- Nature of Indian State – It broadcasts India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic, and Republican Polity.
- Objectives of the Constitution – It specifies Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity as the objectives.
- Date of adoption of the Constitution – It stipulates November 26, 1949, as the date of its adoption.
Significance of Preamble of Indian Constitution
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution embodies the simple philosophy and fundamental values on which the Constitution is based. Thus, it affords a glimpse of the Constitution of India.
- As the soul and key to the Constitution, it presents a guiding framework for the translation and implementation of the various provisions of the Constitution.
- It serves as the guiding light for governance, offering an ethical compass for policymakers and lawmakers. It reminds them of the overarching dreams of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity that they ought to strive to gain in their selection-making strategies.
- It symbolizes the solidarity and diversity of India by acknowledging the plurality of its residents and their diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures, and religions.
- It serves as a concept for citizens, reminding them of their rights, obligations, and obligations in the direction of the country. It instills a sense of patriotism, civic obligation, and commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and fraternity among the various populations.
Amendment to the Preamble
- The Preamble to the Constitution has been amended simplest once by way of the forty second Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. The amendment, which was made based totally at the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee, introduced 3 new phrases – Socialist, Secular, and Integrity – to the existing Preamble.
- ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ have been brought up among ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Democratic’.
- ‘Unity of the Nation’ was modified to ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation’.
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a foundational document and guiding mild that outlines the goals of the entire Constitution. It’s an assertion that acts as a fountainhead of expertise for the Constitution of India. Therefore, at the same time as creating a law, lawmakers must have a look at it on the threshold of the Preamble of the Constitution.