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, ExplainedSovereign - 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.
