Preamble of the Indian Constitution
What is Preamble?
The Preamble is the introductory part of the Constitution.
It contains the philosophy, aims, and objectives of the Constitution.
It is the key to understand the Constitution.
Source of Preamble
The Preamble is based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946.
WBCS PYQ: Who moved the Objective Resolution?
✔ Jawaharlal Nehru
Text of the Preamble
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;
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.
Key Words Explained
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sovereign | India is internally and externally free. Not dependent on any country. |
| Socialist | Means social and economic equality. Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). |
| Secular | All religions are equal. No state religion. Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). |
| Democratic | Government by elected representatives of the people. |
| Republic | Head of State is elected (President), not hereditary. |
| Justice | Social, economic and political justice for all citizens. |
| Liberty | Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. |
| Equality | Equal status and opportunity for all. |
| Fraternity | Sense of brotherhood. Dignity of individual. Unity and integrity of nation. |
Important Views on Preamble
| Expert | View |
|---|---|
| N.A. Palkhivala | “The Preamble is the identity card of the Constitution.” |
| K.M. Munshi | “The Preamble is the horoscope of the Constitution.” |
| Sir Ernest Barker | “The Preamble is the key-note of the Constitution.” |
WBCS PYQ: Who called Preamble the “identity card” of Constitution?
✔ N.A. Palkhivala
Is Preamble Part of the Constitution?
Two Important Cases
| Case | Year | Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| Berubari Union Case | 1960 | Preamble is NOT part of the Constitution. |
| Kesavananda Bharati Case | 1973 | Preamble IS part of the Constitution. |
Final Position: After Kesavananda Bharati (1973), Preamble is considered part of the Constitution.
WBCS PYQ: In which case did Supreme Court hold that Preamble is part of the Constitution?
✔ Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
Can Preamble be Amended?
- Yes, Preamble can be amended under Article 368.
- The Preamble has been amended only once.
WBCS PYQ: How many times has the Preamble been amended?
✔ Once
42nd Amendment (1976) – The Only Amendment to Preamble
Changes Made
| Original Preamble (1949) | After 42nd Amendment (1976) |
|---|---|
| SOVEREIGN | SOVEREIGN |
| (not present) | SOCIALIST |
| (not present) | SECULAR |
| DEMOCRATIC | DEMOCRATIC |
| REPUBLIC | REPUBLIC |
| Unity of the Nation | Unity and Integrity of the Nation |
Three words added: SOCIALIST, SECULAR, INTEGRITY
WBCS PYQ: Which amendment added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble?
✔ 42nd Amendment (1976)
WBCS PYQ: Which words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment?
✔ Socialist, Secular, Integrity
Nature of Preamble
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Enforceable in Court? | No (Non-justiciable) |
| Source of Authority | “We, the People of India” |
| Can be amended? | Yes (Article 368) |
| Part of Constitution? | Yes (since 1973) |
Note: Preamble is not enforceable in a court of law.
Important One-Liners for WBCS
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Preamble is based on which resolution? | Objective Resolution |
| Who moved the Objective Resolution? | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| When was Objective Resolution moved? | 13 December 1946 |
| Who called Preamble “identity card”? | N.A. Palkhivala |
| Who called Preamble “horoscope”? | K.M. Munshi |
| Who called Preamble “key-note”? | Sir Ernest Barker |
| Is Preamble part of Constitution? | Yes (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973) |
| Which case said Preamble is NOT part? | Berubari Union Case (1960) |
| How many times Preamble amended? | Once |
| Which amendment amended Preamble? | 42nd Amendment (1976) |
| Words added by 42nd Amendment? | Socialist, Secular, Integrity |
| Is Preamble justiciable? | No |
| Under which article can Preamble be amended? | Article 368 |
| What type of justice is mentioned? | Social, Economic, Political |
| What does Fraternity assure? | Dignity of individual + Unity & Integrity |
WBCS Revision Box
🔹 13 Dec 1946 → Objective Resolution (Nehru)
🔹 26 Nov 1949 → Preamble adopted
🔹 1976 → 42nd Amendment (Socialist, Secular, Integrity added)
🔹 Kesavananda Bharati (1973) → Preamble is part of Constitution
🔹 Berubari (1960) → Preamble is NOT part (overruled)
🔹 N.A. Palkhivala → "Identity card"
🔹 K.M. Munshi → "Horoscope"
🔹 Sir Ernest Barker → "Key-note"
🔹 Article 368 → Preamble can be amended
🔹 Non-justiciable → Cannot be enforced in courtQuick Practice Questions (WBCS Pattern)
1. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is based on which resolution?
(a) Lucknow Resolution
(b) Objective Resolution
(c) Karachi Resolution
(d) Lahore Resolution
✔ (b) Objective Resolution
2. Who called the Preamble the “identity card” of the Constitution?
(a) K.M. Munshi
(b) D.D. Basu
(c) N.A. Palkhivala
(d) B.R. Ambedkar
✔ (c) N.A. Palkhivala
3. The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were added to the Preamble by which amendment?
(a) 24th Amendment
(b) 42nd Amendment
(c) 44th Amendment
(d) 73rd Amendment
✔ (b) 42nd Amendment
4. Is the Preamble justiciable?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Partially
(d) Only in Supreme Court
✔ (b) No
5. In which case did the Supreme Court declare that the Preamble is part of the Constitution?
(a) Golaknath Case
(b) Berubari Case
(c) Kesavananda Bharati Case
(d) Minerva Mills Case
✔ (c) Kesavananda Bharati Case