The Preamble of the Indian Constitution

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is an introductory statement that outlines the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated as the Republic Day of India.

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.

Preamble of Indian Constitution in Hindi

What is Preamble?

A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that seeks to explain the document’s philosophy and objectives. It presents the intention of the framers of the Constitution and the core values and principles of the nation. The preamble of India basically gives an idea of the following objects:

  • Source of the Constitution: It is indicated by the Preamble that the source of authority of the Constitution lies with the people of India.
  • Nature of Indian State: The preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
  • Statement of its objectives: The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.
  • Date of its adoption: The date is mentioned in the preamble when it was adopted i.e. November 26, 1949.

The Preamble of Indian Constitution Amendment

After the judgment of the Kesavanand Bharati case, it was accepted that the preamble is part of the Constitution. As a part of the Constitution, the preamble can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution, but the basic structure of the preamble can not be amended.

As of now, the preamble is only amended once through the 42nd Amendment Act, of 1976.

  • The term ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were added to the preamble through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
  • ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added between ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Democratic’.
  • ‘Unity of the Nation’ was changed to ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation’.

 


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