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Daily Mains Question - GS 2 - 14th August 2025

  • Writer: TPP
    TPP
  • Aug 14
  • 4 min read
Daily Mains Question - GS 2 - 14th August 2025

Welcome to your daily UPSC Mains Answer Practice! Today’s question delves into the constitutional philosophy embedded in the Preamble of India’s Constitution — a vital yet often underestimated component of democratic governance. Drawing its inspiration from the 1946 Objective Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Preamble encapsulates the moral and ideological compass of the Constitution through values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. This discussion is particularly relevant to GS Paper 2 – Polity and Governance, especially within the themes of constitutional features, democratic values, and judicial interpretation. As recent debates on secularism, equality, and federalism continue to unfold in public discourse and judicial scrutiny, analysing the interpretative and normative significance of the Preamble becomes imperative for understanding India’s constitutional democracy.

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QUESTION

Examine the democratic significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. In what ways does it function as an interpretative tool for constitutional provisions?

Answer: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is often regarded as the soul of the Constitution, encapsulating its vision, ideals, and philosophical foundation. It lays down the guiding principles such as Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, which reflect the aspirations of the framers and the people of India. Rooted in Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objective Resolution of 1946, the Preamble reflects the transformative agenda envisioned for a newly independent and democratic India.

 

Democratic Significance of the Preamble


1. Source of Constitutional Authority

  • The phrase “We, the People of India” underscores popular sovereignty, highlighting that the Constitution derives its legitimacy from the people, not from any monarch or external authority.

  • Reinforces the democratic principle that the people are the ultimate source of power in a republic.


2. Enshrines Social, Economic, and Political Justice

  • Advocates for justice in all spheres, which has influenced landmark policies and affirmative action under Articles 15 and 16, such as reservations for SCs/STs/OBCs.

  • The idea of social justice underpins schemes like MGNREGA, Right to Education, and Food Security.


3. Upholds Equality and Liberty

  • Ensures equality before law and equal protection of laws (Article 14) and prohibits discrimination.

  • Advocates liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, forming the bedrock of Articles 19 and 25–28.

  • These values empower citizens and promote inclusiveness in a diverse society.


4. Establishes Secularism

  • Declares India a secular state, where the State maintains equidistance from all religions.

  • Has guided legislation like the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and judgments like S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) which upheld secularism as part of the basic structure.


5. Emphasizes Sovereignty and Unity

  • Sovereign status ensures India's independence in domestic and foreign policy.

  • Term “Integrity”, added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976), emphasizes unity amidst regional, linguistic, and cultural diversity.


6. Promotes Democratic Governance

  • Reflects the adoption of parliamentary democracy, universal adult franchise, and federal polity.

  • Encourages decentralization and participatory governance through provisions like Article 40 (Panchayati Raj Institutions) and 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments.

 

Limitations of the Preamble

1. Non-Justiciable Nature

  • As per Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Preamble is not enforceable in courts; it provides no substantive legal rights.


2. Not a Source of Power

  • It does not grant any power to the organs of the state or limit their functioning, as affirmed in Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).


3. Ambiguity in Terminology

  • Terms like ‘Justice’, ‘Fraternity’, and ‘Socialist’ are broad and subject to differing interpretations.


4. Subject to Amendment

  • The 42nd Amendment (1976) added “Socialist”, “Secular”, and “Integrity”. Though allowed under Article 368, this raises concerns over potential dilution of core values.

 

Preamble as an Interpretative Tool

1. Interpretative Guide for Constitution

  • The Supreme Court, in several landmark cases, has used the Preamble to interpret constitutional provisions in alignment with its values.

  • E.g., Berubari Union Case (1960) clarified that the Preamble is a key to understand the Constitution’s objectives.


2. Context for Fundamental Rights

  • The expansive interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), including rights to privacy, dignity, and education, stems from Preamble’s emphasis on liberty and dignity.

  • Case: Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017).


3. Judicial Review and Constitutional Amendments

  • In Keshavananda Bharati (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that the “basic structure” of the Constitution cannot be altered, using the Preamble to identify these core features.


4. Clarifies Federal Balance

  • Helps in understanding centre-state relations under Article 246 and Schedule VII, especially in times of conflict over legislative competence.


5. Safeguard against Arbitrary Legislation

  • Used by courts to strike down laws or executive actions that contradict foundational principles.

  • E.g., public protests and judicial scrutiny against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, were grounded in the alleged violation of the secular and equality principles of the Preamble.

 

The Preamble plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s democratic character and acts as a beacon for constitutional interpretation and governance. While non-justiciable, it is an essential compass guiding India’s legal and political evolution. In an era of constitutional challenges and dynamic socio-political transformations, the Preamble remains a living testament to India’s democratic ethos and collective aspirations.

Value Addition

  • Date of Adoption: Adopted on 26th November 1949, enforced on 26th January 1950.

  • Granville Austin described the Indian Constitution as a “seamless web of three strands: social, economic, and political justice.”

  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar termed the Preamble as the “horoscope of the Constitution,” indicating its predictive and guiding nature.

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