Question

The Preamble has been amended only once so far in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment by inserting which of the following words?
A.Socialism, Secularism and Sovereignty
B.Socialist, Secular and Integrity
C.Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
D.Democratic, Republic and Equality

Answer 1

Hint: The Preamble serves as the brief introduction to the Constitution of India. It sets out the basic philosophy and values that our founding fathers believed to be the spirit of the nation. It begins with stating the very source of the Constitution “We, the people of India” and thus embodies the hopes and aspirations of the people as a whole.

Complete Step by Step answer: Option A: is incorrect because although the term “socialist” and “secular” were added in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment, the term “sovereign” was already present in the earlier version. The term “sovereign” signifies that India is a free country and it is not subject to the control of any other State or external entity.
Option B: is correct. The 42nd Amendment of 1976 inserted the words “socialist” and “secular” and changed the phrase “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”. Although the term “socialist” is nowhere defined in the Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV have a socialist character. The term “secular” implies that India is not a theocratic state and thus does not have an official religion. The Fundamental Rights contained in Part III of the Indian Constitution grants the Right to Freedom of Religion.
Option C: is incorrect because the terms “Liberty”, “Equality” and “Fraternity” were already present in the earlier version of the Constitution. The Constitution sets up the objective to secure personal individual liberty as a matter of fundamental rights to all citizens. It all ensures equality of status and opportunity and prohibits discrimination on any basis. Fraternity, which is mentioned at the end, refers to the spirit of brotherhood required to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.
Option D: is incorrect because the phrase “democratic republic” was already present in the Constitution before the 42nd Amendment. The term “democratic” conveys that the government is of the people, by the people and for the people and the term “republic” signifies that the State shall be headed by an elected official and not a hereditary ruler.

Note: The declaration at the end of the Preamble highlights that it was adopted, enacted and given to ourselves on Nov 26, 1950, which signifies that the Constitution was not granted by any authority, native or foreign but belonged to and was derived from the people.