SOCIALIST AND SECULAR
1. Context
Recently, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, has claimed that the words "socialist" and "secular" were missing from the Preamble of the Constitution of India in the copies that were given to MPs.
2. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as an introduction to the document and encapsulates its fundamental principles and objectives.
- It was influenced by the Objectives Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
- The original Preamble, adopted in 1950, outlined India's commitment to being a sovereign democratic republic and ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.
2.1. The Original Preamble (1950)
The Preamble of the Constitution that commenced in 1950
“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN 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; and to promote among them all
- FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
3. The Addition of "Socialist" and "Secular"
3.1. The Inclusion of "Socialist"
- Indira Gandhi aimed to establish a pro-poor and socialist image, with slogans like “garibi hatao” (Eradicate poverty).
- During the Emergency, her government inserted the word "socialist" into the Preamble to emphasize that socialism was a key goal and philosophy of the Indian state.
- It's important to note that the Indian version of socialism did not envision the nationalization of all means of production, as seen in the USSR or China at the time.
- Indira clarified that "we have our own brand of socialism," and that nationalization would only occur where deemed necessary.
3.2. The Inclusion of "Secular"
- India is a diverse nation with people professing numerous faiths.
- To promote unity and fraternity among its citizens, regardless of religious beliefs, the concept of "secularism" was enshrined in the Preamble.
- This meant that the state would protect all religions equally, maintain neutrality and impartiality towards all religions, and not favour any one religion as a "state religion."
- In essence, the secular Indian state was founded on the principle that the state's concern lies in the relationship between individuals, rather than between individuals and God, which is a matter of individual choice and conscience.
- Articles 25-28 of the Constitution secure the secular nature of the Indian state.
3.3. "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Constitution
- It's worth noting that the philosophy of socialism and secularism was always inherent in the Constitution.
- Articles 25, 26, and 27 were intentionally included by the founders to promote secularism.
- The 42nd Amendment, in 1976, formally inserted the words "socialist" and "secular" into the Preamble, making explicit what was already implicit in various provisions and the overall philosophy of the Constitution.
Image Source: NCERT4. Past Debates and Petitions
- The addition of "socialist" and "secular" to the Preamble has sparked debates over the years.
- Various petitions have sought their removal, arguing that these terms were not originally intended to be part of the Constitution.
- However, the Supreme Court has upheld their inclusion, emphasizing the broad and evolving meaning of "socialism" and its connection to welfare measures.
5. Conclusion
- The inclusion of "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the evolving political and ideological landscape of the country.
- While these terms were added during a specific period in history, the principles of secularism and welfare have been integral to the Constitution's philosophy from the beginning.
- The ongoing debates and discussions surrounding these terms highlight the complex and dynamic nature of India's constitutional framework.
|
For Prelims: Indian Constitution, Socialist, secular, Preamble, Constituent Assembly, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, garibi hatao, Article 25, Article 26, Article 27, Article 28, 42nd Amendment, in 1976,
For Mains:
1. Explain the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution. How does it encapsulate the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship to the proletariat.
3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. None
Answer: D
2. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is (UPSC 2020)
A. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect
B. not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either
C. a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part
D. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Answer: D
3. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty? (UPSC 2019)
A. Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
B. Absence of restraint
C. Opportunity to do whatever one likes
D. Opportunity to develop oneself fully
Answer: D
4. Which one of the following statements about 'personal liberty' is not correct? (UPSC CAPF 2021)
A. State does not have the authority to deprive any person within the territory of India of his/her personal liberty without any rational basis.
B. Basis of depriving a person of his/her personal liberty must be in accordance with procedures established by law.
C. Personal liberty can be secured by the judicial writ of Habeas Corpus.
D. The majority view of the Supreme Court in A. K. Gopalan vs. State of Madras case invented 'due process of law'.
Answer: D
5. One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of (UPSC 2017)
A. Privileges B. Restraints C. Competition D. Ideology
Answer: A
6. Regarding the word 'Fraternity' in the preamble of the Indian Constitution, choose the correct statement(s) (TNPSC Group 1 2021)
(a) It leaves no room for regionalism
(b) It leaves room for communalism
(c) It leaves no room for casteism
A. (a) and (c) B. (b) only C. (a) and (b) (c) only D. Answer not known Answer: A
7. The slogan 'Garibi Hatao' was introduced in (Haryana Civil Services 2014) (APPSC Group 2 2017)
A. First plan B. Fifth plan C. Fourth plan D. Second plan
Answer: B
8. According to Article 25 of the constitution, the right to freedom of religion is not subject to whom? (RPSC RAS Prelims 2013)
A. Public order B. Health C. Virtue D. Humanism
Answer: D
9. According to Article 25 - 28 of Fundamental Rights, find the incorrect statements about it from below: (MPSC 2019)
A. No religions instructions shall be provided in any education institution wholly funded by the state.
B. Secularism is the basic feature of the Constitution.
C. State shall not compel any person to pay any taxed which shall to be used to promote and maintain any particular religion.
D. This right is available to Indian citizens only.
Answer: C
10. Article 26 of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following? (DSSSB TGT 2021)
A. Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion
B. Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
C. Freedom to manage religious affairs
D. Protection of interests of minorities
Answer: C
11. The 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India was enacted in the year ________. (SSC CHSL 2018)
A.1947 B. 1976 C. 1991 D. 2016
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
