Preamble is the introduction to the Indian constitution. Indian constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into effect on January 26, 1950 with 395 articles, 22 parts and 12 schedules. Preamble holds the key to open the mind of the constitution makers. The objective of preamble is realized through these words of wisdom. It highlights the intention and motivation of the entire constitution. Thus the preamble of Indian constitution acts as the guiding force to keep the laws according to the will of the citizens of India for the prosperity and well being of the country.
Dr. Ambedkar said
“It was, indeed, a way of life, which recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life and which cannot be divorced from each other: Liberty cannot be divorced from equality; equality cannot be divorced from liberty. Nor can liberty and equality be divorced from fraternity. Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many. Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative. Without fraternity, liberty and equality could not become a natural course of things.”
- The preamble of Indian constitution contains the terms SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC and REPUBLIC. These words help us to know the nature of the largest constitution of the world. The words of the constitution reflect the behavior of the Indian constitution.
- JUSTICE, social, economic and political are the ideals mentioned in the preamble that throws light on the nature of constitution.
- LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship helps the amenders to keep in mind the freedom the citizens require in a country like India.
- EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation; are included in the constitution to rule out the grounds of inequality and inculcate brotherhood among citizens.
SOVEREIGN
India attained freedom through the massive struggle against colonial rule. This has given her the supremacy and no other countries have got any power over the nation. Hence the word ‘Sovereignty’ proportionates its supreme authority.
SOCIALIST
Socialism was incorporated in the preamble with respect to the Gandhian ideals. Socialist ideals emphasize equality in all aspects of the society and favor the strong path of nationalization.
SECULAR
The varied culture of Indian society is respected and identified by the word ‘Secular’ in preamble. It guarantees the freedom of religion as a fundamental right in the Indian constitution.
DEMOCRATIC
Every citizen of India is entitled to cast their votes without being subject to the grounds of caste, religion, state, creed, color, gender or education.
REPUBLIC
India is republic because the heads of the states are elected by the people and are not from any hereditary monarch.
The preamble of Indian constitution is substantial for it indicates the source of authority and states the ideals it is embedded with. It declares the ultimate sovereignty of people of India and this consensus unites them. Apart from being the guiding force, it envisages the lawmakers to achieve all basic rights and freedom for the better run of the country. For making any law or amending the existing laws, the lawmakers have to strictly adhere to the terms of Preamble. Hence the words of preamble aspires the expectation of the people.
