Question

India is a _________________________________.
$a)$ Socialist
$b)$ Secular
$c)$ Sovereign
$d)$ Democratic Republic
Identify the correct sequence as mentioned in the preamble of Indian constitution.
$a)$ C, A, B, D.
$b)$ B, C, A, D
$c)$ C, A, D, B
$d)$ A, B, C, D.

Answer 1

Hint: Preamble means preface or brief introduction to the constitution. So, the preamble of Indian constitution states the nature of the state. Hence, preamble was rightly called as the identity card of the constitution by an eminent jurist ‘N. A Palkhiwala’.

Complete step by step answer:
Preamble of Indian constitution is based on the objective resolution proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru, which was later passed by constituent assembly.
India is defined as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and republican polity in the preamble of Indian constitution.
It is necessary to understand the meaning of this term. So, we will first see the meaning of these terms.
Sovereign: The term Sovereign implies the independence of Indian state. It states, India is totally free to conduct its own affairs as it is not a colony or dependency of any other nation.
Socialist: The term ‘Socialist' was added by the $42nd$ constitutional amendment act in the preamble. But, it doesn’t mean that socialist content was not present in Indian constitution before this amendment. In fact, a directive principle of state policy reflects on the socialist nature of Indian state. But India preferred ‘democratic socialism', where the public and private sector co-exist and works for the welfare of the nation.
Secular: This term was also added by the 42nd constitutional amendment act. But again, Secular provisions were already there in the Indian constitution. Secularism implies all religions are equal in eyes of state.
Democratic: India adopted parliamentary democracy, where a person directly elects the member of Lok Sabha. As stated in preamble itself, preamble derives its authority from the people of India. Fundamental rights and provision of universal adult franchise forms the bedrock of Indian democracy. In fact, the constitution of India not only provides for political democracy but also tries to establish social and economic democracy by the way of directive principles of state policy.
Republic: The term ‘Republic’ implies that the head of the state is elected and is not hereditary like king or queen. Like, there is monarchy in Britain because the Queen is the head of state. While in India, The President is head of the state, who is elected one.
So, this is the order of words as written in the Indian constitution.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Earlier there was a controversy whether the preamble is the part of the constitution or not. Hence, Supreme Court in Kesvananda Bharati case stated that the preamble is the part of the constitution and can be amended. Though Preamble is the part of the constitution, it is neither justifiable in the court of law, nor the source of power or limitation on the legislation procedure.