Q: Write the preamble of Constitution.

What amendments have been made by the

42nd Constitution amendments Act,1976?/ Explain the concept and importance of
Preamble

WHAT IS PREAMBLE?
The term of preamble refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution. The preamble of
the Indian constitution serves as a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding purpose,
principles and philosophy of the Indian constitution. Preamble is the set of ideals, which the
founding fathers of the constitution has incorporated in the constitution.
Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic
The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and
promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.

Key Words In The Preamble

1. Sovereign:The term ‘Sovereign’ which is proclaimed by the Preamble means that India has its
own independent authority and it is not a dominion of any other external power. In the
country, the legislature has the power to make laws which is subjected to certain limitations.

2. Socialist: The term ‘Socialist’ was added in the Preamble by 42nd Amendment, 1976 which
means the achievement of socialist ends through democratic means. It is basically a
‘Democratic Socialism’ that holds faith in a mixed economy where both private and public
sectors co-exist side by side.

3. Secular: The term ‘Secular’ was incorporated in the Preamble by 42nd Constitutional
Amendment, 1976 which means that all the religions in India get equal respect, protection and
support from the state.

4. Democratic: The term ‘Democratic’ implies that the Constitution of India has an established
form of Constitution which gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an
election.

5. Republic: The term ‘Republic’ indicates that the head of the state is elected by the people
directly or indirectly. In India, the President is the head of the state and he is elected indirectly
by the people.
6. Justice: The term Justice in the Preamble embraces three distinct forms: Social, economic
and political, secured through various provisions of the Fundamental and Directive Principles.
Social justice in the Preamble means that the Constitution wants to create a more equitable
society based on equal social status. Economic justice means equitable distribution of wealth
among the individual members of the society so that wealth is not concentrated in few hands.
Political Justice means that all the citizens have equal right in political participation. Indian
Constitution provides for universal adult suffrage and equal value for each vote.

7. Liberty: Liberty implies absence of restraints or domination on the activities of an individual

such as freedom from slavery, serfdom, imprisonment, despotism etc. The Preamble provides
for liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

8. Equality: Equality means absence of privileges or discrimination against any section of the
society. The Preamble provides for equality of status and opportunity to all the people of the
country. The Constitution strives to provide social, economic and political equality in the
country.

9. Fraternity : Fraternity means feeling of brotherhood. The Preamble seeks to promote

fraternity among the people assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of
the nation.

The supreme court of India has declared the preamble as the integral part of the constitution. In
1976 the 42nd amendment was carried out.
42nd Amendment Act, 1976 is one of the most important amendments to the Indian
Constitution. It was enacted by Indian National Congress headed by Indira Gandhi then. Due to
the large number of amendments this act has brought to the Indian Constitution, it is also known
as ‘Mini-Constitution.’

Importance of preamble :
Preamble of the Constitution of India was adopted by the constituent assembly after adopting
the Constitution. It helps us to understand the essence of any provision of Indian Constitution.
The importance of the Preamble lies in its components. The independence of India was received
after a huge struggle, which was based on the unique philosophy and Gandhian and Nehru’s
principles. The founding body of the constitution has tried to incorporate all those philosophy
and principles in the constitution. The amendments happened later also proves the flexibility of
the preamble.