Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 1: Making of the Constitution›The Preamble to the Constitution
Key terms, 42nd Amendment, and judicial views for competitive exams
The Preamble embodies the soul, ideals, and objectives of the Indian Constitution, framing us as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Memory Hooks
| Case Name | Year | Ruling on Preamble |
|---|---|---|
| Berubari Union | 1960 | Not a part of Constitution |
| Kesavananda Bharati | 1973 | Integral part of Constitution |
| LIC of India Case | 1995 | Integral part reaffirmed |
Sovereign
(Supreme independent authority)
Supreme independent authority
India is free from external control.
Socialist
(Democratic socialism model)
Democratic socialism model
Mixed economy aiming to end poverty.
Secular
(Equal respect for all)
Equal respect for all
State has no official religion.
Republic
(Elected head of state)
Elected head of state
President of India is elected.
Preamble is enforceable in courtPreamble is non-justiciable
Its provisions cannot be enforced directly in courts of law.
Preamble has been amended 3 timesPreamble amended only once
Only the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 modified it.
Democratic precedes Secular in textSocialist Secular Democratic
Check the exact sequence: Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.
Q1.Which words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?
Q2.In which case did the Supreme Court explicitly state that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution?