Definition

The Preamble of the indian constitution is the introductory statement to the Indian Constitution. It encapsulates the philosophy, values, and objectives upon which the Constitution is based. It serves as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution, outlining the aims and aspirations of the Indian state.

Original Preamble of the Indian Constitution (1949)

“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign 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 of the Nation;

In our Constituent Assembly, this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution.”

Preamble of Indian Constitution After the 42nd Amendment (1976)

“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 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.”

Hindi Version (After the 42nd Amendment):

“हम, भारत के लोग, भारत को एक संपूर्ण प्रभुत्त्व-संपन्न, समाजवादी, पंथनिरपेक्ष, लोकतंत्रात्मक गणराज्य बनाने के लिए तथा इसके समस्त नागरिकों को:

1. 1. सामाजिक, आर्थिक और राजनीतिक : न्याय;
   2. विचार, अभिव्यक्ति, विश्वास, धर्म और उपासना की : स्वतंत्रता;
   3. प्रतिष्ठा और अवसर की : समता;
      प्राप्त कराने के लिये तथा उन सब में
   4. व्यक्ति की गरिमा और राष्ट्र की एकता और अखंडता  सुनिश्चित करने वाली : बंधुता बढ़ाने के लिये

दृढ़ संकल्पित होकर अपनी इस संविधान सभा में आज दिनांक 26 नवंबर, 1949 ई. को एतद् द्वारा इस संविधान को अंगीकृत, अधिनियमित और आत्मार्पित करते हैं।”

Key Features of the Preamble of Indian Constitution

• “We, the People of India”: India is a democratic nation, and its Constitution is for and by its people.Denotes popular sovereignty.
• Nature of the Indian State:
  • Sovereign: India is independent and free to manage its internal and external affairs.
  • Socialist: Added by the 42nd Amendment, Refers to a system where resources like land, capital, and property are publicly owned or controlled, ensuring equitable distribution and balance in society.
  • Secular: Added by the 42nd Amendment, Article 25-28 ensures religious freedom and equality.
  • Democratic: The government is elected by the people as
  • their representatives
  • Republic: The Head of State is elected, not hereditary.
• Objectives: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
• Amendability: The Preamble can be amended, but its basic structure cannot be altered (Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973).

Adoption and Significance

1. 1. Drafting and Influence:
      • The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13th December 1946 and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd January 1947.
      • The Objectives Resolution laid down the fundamental principles that influenced the drafting of the Constitution, including the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
   2. Approval Process:
      • The Drafting Committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, finalized the Constitution, including the Preamble. The Preamble was debated and adopted along with the rest of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949.
   3. Signatures:
      • All 284 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the original handwritten copy of the Constitution, including the Preamble, signifying the collective will of the people.
   4. Key Dates:
      • 13th December 1946: Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru.
      • 22nd January 1947: Objectives Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
      • 26th November 1949: Preamble was adopted along with the Constitution. (Constitution Day from 2015 earlier, it was Law Day )
      • 26th January 1950: Preamble and Constitution came into effect (Republic Day).
   5. Other Articles adopted with Preamble:
      • Preamble was adopted with Articles [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379, 380, 388, 391, 392, 393 and 394 ] as stated in article 394 on Nov 1949. While Remaining articles were Adopted on 26th January 1950.
   6. Significance of Adoption:
      • The Preamble reflects the soul and philosophical essence of the Constitution. It expresses the objectives and ideals that the Constitution seeks to achieve.
      • The Preamble encapsulates the vision of a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and lays down the goals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.
   7. Noteworthy Points for Exams:
      • Objectives Resolution by Jawaharlal Nehru had a major influence on the Preamble.
      • The Preamble, although not legally enforceable, serves as a guiding principle for interpreting the Constitution.
      • The 42nd Amendment (1976) introduced the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity”, adding depth to the Constitution’s objectives.

Comparison: Original vs. Amended Preamble