Points to Remember:
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, significantly altered the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
- The amendment added key words reflecting the socio-political changes and aspirations of the time.
- Understanding the original Preamble and the changes introduced is crucial.
Introduction:
The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as a concise statement of the aims and objectives of the Constitution. It outlines the foundational principles upon which the Indian state is built. Originally, the Preamble declared India to be a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, enacted in 1976, significantly altered the Preamble, adding several words to reflect the evolving political and social landscape of the nation. This amendment, enacted during the Emergency, aimed to consolidate the socialist and secular ideals within the constitutional framework. The question asks which specific words were added to the Preamble through this amendment. This requires a factual approach, focusing on the specific changes made to the text of the Preamble.
Body:
The 42nd Amendment and its Impact on the Preamble:
The 42nd Amendment Act made several changes to the Constitution, including the addition of key words to the Preamble. The original Preamble declared India a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”. The amendment added the words “Socialist”, “Secular”, and “Integrity” before “Republic”. Therefore, the revised Preamble now reads: “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, 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 and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
Analysis of Options:
(A) Sovereignty: Sovereignty was already present in the original Preamble.
(B) Dignity of person: While the amended Preamble emphasizes the “dignity of the individual,” this phrase was not added in the 42nd Amendment. It was already a part of the original text, albeit implicitly.
(C) Socialist, secular: These words were explicitly added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment.
(D) Privacy: The right to privacy is a fundamental right interpreted by the Supreme Court, but it was not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble, nor was it added through the 42nd Amendment.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is (C) Socialist, secular. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. This reflected the government’s commitment to socialist principles and secularism, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to social justice and equality, irrespective of religious beliefs. While the amendment was controversial and its timing during the Emergency raised concerns, its impact on the Preamble remains a significant aspect of Indian constitutional history. Moving forward, a clear understanding of the Preamble and its evolution is crucial for upholding the fundamental values and principles enshrined within the Constitution, ensuring a just and equitable society for all citizens. This understanding fosters a stronger sense of national identity and promotes the holistic development of the nation.
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