Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, serves as an introductory statement to the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution. It’s not a part of the Constitution itself, but a key to understanding the ‘mind’ of the framers and the spirit behind the document. It encapsulates the aspirations of the people of India, outlining the goals of achieving justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Understanding its significance is crucial to comprehending the constitutional framework of India.
Key Elements and their Significance
The Preamble begins with “We, the People of India…”, highlighting the ultimate sovereignty residing in the citizens. It identifies the source of the Constitution as the people themselves. The Preamble outlines four fundamental objectives:
- Justice: Social, economic, and political justice aims to eliminate inequalities and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.
- Liberty: Includes freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, subject to reasonable restrictions.
- Equality: Guarantees equality of status and opportunity, promoting a society free from discrimination.
- Fraternity: Promotes a sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens, ensuring dignity of the individual and the nation.
Philosophical Basis
The Preamble reflects the influence of various philosophical concepts. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity are deeply rooted in the French Revolution’s motto. The concept of ‘Justice’ draws from Gandhian principles of social and economic equality. The emphasis on ‘Dignity of the individual’ reflects humanist ideals.
Political Significance
The Preamble serves as a guiding light for governance. It sets the broad framework within which laws are made and policies are implemented. It embodies the aspirations of the nation and provides a benchmark against which the performance of the government can be evaluated. It also acts as a constraint on the power of the state, ensuring that actions are consistent with the fundamental values enshrined in the Preamble.
Legal Significance
While not enforceable in a court of law on its own, the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and is used to interpret ambiguous provisions. Landmark cases demonstrate this:
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): The Supreme Court held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be used to interpret its provisions. It also established the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, limiting the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution in a way that alters its fundamental features.
- Berubari Union Case (1960): The Supreme Court stated that the Preamble is not enforceable in a court of law but is a significant aid in interpreting the Constitution.
Amendability
The Preamble has been amended only once, in 1976, during the Emergency. The 42nd Amendment replaced the word “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” with “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”. This amendment sparked debate regarding the secular nature of the Indian state.
Conclusion
The Preamble is more than just a formal introduction; it is the soul of the Indian Constitution. It encapsulates the nation’s values, aspirations, and guiding principles. Its significance lies in its philosophical underpinnings, political guidance, and legal interpretative role. The Preamble continues to be a vital source of inspiration and a benchmark for evaluating the progress of India towards achieving its constitutional goals, reminding us of the enduring commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.