HPAS 2020 Mains GS-2 Question 1
Describe the basic tenets of the preamble of the Indian Constitution.
Solution:
The Preamble serves as the introductory statement to the Constitution, encapsulating its core philosophy, values, and objectives. Based on the “Objective Resolution” drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru, it provides the roadmap for the Indian state and its governance.
1. Source of Authority: “We, the People”
The opening phrase signifies that the Constitution derives its authority from the citizens of India. It establishes popular sovereignty, implying that the people are the ultimate masters of the democratic process.
2. Nature of the Indian State
- Sovereign: India is an independent entity, free from any external control or foreign power.
- Socialist: Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), it signifies “Democratic Socialism”—achieving social and economic equality through evolutionary means.
- Secular: Also added in 1976, it ensures the state treats all religions with equal respect (Positive Secularism) without having an official state religion.
- Democratic: Authority is derived from the will of the people expressed through periodic free and fair elections.
- Republic: The head of the state (President) is elected, not hereditary, ensuring all public offices are open to all citizens.
3. Objectives of the Constitution
The Preamble secures four pillars of human dignity and national progress:
- Justice: Social, economic, and political justice—ensuring no discrimination and equal opportunities for all.
- Liberty: Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship (essential for individual development).
- Equality: Equality of status and opportunity; abolishing special privileges for any class.
- Fraternity: Promoting a sense of brotherhood to assure the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
“The Preamble is the horoscope of our sovereign democratic republic.” — K.M. Munshi
Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)
The Preamble is the “soul” of the Indian Constitution, outlining four basic tenets: the source of authority, the nature of the state, the objectives, and the date of adoption (Nov 26, 1949).
- Source: “We, the People” establishes that sovereignty lies with the citizens.
- Nature: It defines India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic—reflecting independent authority, social equity, religious neutrality, and an elected head of state.
- Objectives: It aims to secure Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (thought, expression, worship), Equality (status and opportunity), and Fraternity (individual dignity and national integrity).
Though non-justiciable, the Preamble serves as a guiding light for constitutional interpretation. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court declared it an integral part of the Constitution, subject to amendment without altering its “Basic Structure.”