Preamble to the Constitution: Every Word UPSC Tests

"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, Liberty, Equality, and to promote among them all Fraternity..."

The Preamble was borrowed from the US Constitution's "We, the People" opening. It was debated on November 17, 1949, in the Constituent Assembly. Jawaharlal Nehru's Objective Resolution (moved December 13, 1946) was the blueprint. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'Socialist' and 'Secular' to the original text. Every word carries constitutional and examination weight.

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[TOPIC CLASSIFICATION]

Topic type: Constitutional Law / Polity PYQ frequency: High. At least one question in 8 of the last 10 years. Exam stage relevance: Prelims + Mains Primary GS Paper: GS 2

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[EXAMINER REASONING]

1. Trap: "Socialist and Secular were in the original Constitution." No. They were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976). The original 1949 Preamble read "Sovereign Democratic Republic."

2. Most confused: Is the Preamble a part of the Constitution? Is it justiciable? Berubari (1960) said No - Preamble is not part of Constitution and cannot be used to interpret it. Kesavananda (1973) overruled this - Preamble IS part of the Constitution and CAN be used for...