Module 1: Preamble

Learning outcomes

• recite the Preamble text;
• explain the keywords: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity;
• state the date of adoption and the significance of "We, the People."

Start here: the simple idea

The Preamble is the identity card of the Constitution. It states the values the Constitution stands for and the source of all authority: the people of India.

The Preamble text

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.

Important keywords explained

Sovereign

India is internally supreme and free from external control. No outside power can override Indian law.

Socialist

Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). The State shall strive to reduce inequality and promote welfare of all.

Secular

Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). The State has no official religion; all religions are treated equally.

Democratic

Government is elected by and accountable to the people.

Republic

The head of state (President) is elected, not hereditary.

Justice — social, economic and political

Social justice = no discrimination; economic justice = fair distribution of wealth; political justice = equal participation in governance.

Liberty

Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.

Equality

Equal status and equal opportunity for all citizens.

Fraternity

Spirit of brotherhood; dignity of the individual; unity and integrity of the Nation.

Key facts

• Adopted: 26 November 1949; came into force: 26 January 1950.
• Source of authority: "We, the People of India."
• The words Socialist and Secular were inserted in 1976 (42nd Amendment).
• "Unity of the Nation" was changed to "Unity and Integrity of the Nation."
• Part of the Constitution (declared in the Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).
• Not enforceable by courts directly but used as an interpretative tool.

Common mistakes

• Thinking the Preamble is not part of the Constitution.
• Believing Socialist and Secular were in the original 1950 text (they were added in 1976).
• Forgetting that the date of adoption is 26 November 1949 (not 26 January 1950).

Memory rules

• S-S-D-D-R = Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
• J-L-E-F = Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
• 26-11-1949 = adopted; 26-01-1950 = came into force.

Check your understanding

1. Who is the source of authority in the Preamble?
2. Name the five adjectives describing India in the Preamble.
3. Which Amendment added "Socialist" and "Secular"?
4. What is the date of adoption of the Constitution?
5. Is the Preamble justiciable (enforceable by courts)?

Answers

1. We, the People of India.
2. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
3. 42nd Amendment (1976).
4. 26 November 1949.
5. No, but it is part of the Constitution and aids interpretation.

Quick revision box

• Preamble = identity card of the Constitution.
• Authority = We, the People of India.
• Five key words: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
• Four objectives: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
• Adopted: 26 Nov 1949; in force: 26 Jan 1950.
• Socialist + Secular added by 42nd Amendment (1976).