Mains Daily Question
Jan. 4, 2024
Q1. Do you think that the Preamble is merely a preface to the Indian Constitution without any substantial significance? (10 marks, 150 words).
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Approach to the Answer: Introduction: Type 1: Provide a brief overview of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution or Type 2: Mention the significance and purpose of the Preamble. Body: Heading 1: Preamble serves various important purposes Heading 2: Why is Preamble considered important? Conclusion: Type 1: Discuss the substantive significance of Preamble in the Indian Constitution. Type 2: Conclude by highlighting its role in reflecting the values, aspirations, and guiding principles of the Indian Constitution. |
Answer: The ‘Preamble' of the Indian Constitution is a concise introduction that establishes the fundamental purpose and principles of the document. It signifies that the authority of the Constitution emanates from the people. Adopted on November 26, 1949, by the Constituent Assembly of India, it became effective on January 26, 1950.
The Indian preamble serves all these purposes including:
- The Constitution establishes the people of India as the ultimate source of authority.
- It declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
- Provides valuable insights into the minds of the Constitution makers, reflecting their fundamental values and philosophy, aimed at ensuring:
- Creating a welfare state focused on social, political, and economic justice.
- Establishing a liberal polity that safeguards freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Building an egalitarian society that upholds equality of status and opportunity.
- Fostering a culture that promotes fraternity and unity among all citizens.
Because of this value, Preamble is considered important for the following purposes:
- It forms the part of Basic Structure of the Constitution, safeguarded by the Supreme Court's decision in the Keshavananda Bharati case (1973).
- It serves as a guiding tool for interpreting constitutional provisions in cases of ambiguity or uncertainty.
- It reflects the intention of the constitution-makers to bring about a socio-economic revolution in Indian society, with the Constitution serving as a transformative document based on constitutional morality.
- Utility for a common man: The Preamble's clear expression enables common Indians to understand the Constitution's nature and promises, which is crucial given the low levels of literacy during independence.
- For example, mosque in Shimoga district of Karnataka appealed people to read the preamble to understand the philosophy of the constitution.
The Preamble holds a significance that extends beyond its role as a simple preface to the Constitution. It is regarded as the soul of the Constitution, as aptly described by Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava, a member of the Constituent Assembly.
