Question

Which two words were added to the Preamble of Constitution by amendment?
A. Secular Democratic
B. Democratic Republic
C. Secular Socialist
D. Republic Socialist

Answer 1

Hint:The amendment took place during the emergency period from 25th June 1975 to 21st March 1977. It was enacted by the Indian National Congress. The head of the Congress at that time was Indira Gandhi.

Complete answer:
The addition of the two words ‘secular socialist’ was made in the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India. It was regarded as the most controversial issue due to which there was suppression of the freedom of individuals and abuse of rights of the human. The promise to restore the original conditions that existed before the emergency were made by the Janata Party who won the elections in the year 1977. In the year 1977 and 1978 the 43rd and 44th amendments were made for restoring the 1976 position.
The 42nd amendment of the Constitution changed the representation of India from ‘sovereign democratic republic’ to ‘sovereign, socialist secular democratic republic’ including change from ‘unity of the nation’ to ‘unity and integrity of the nation’. This change of words significantly reduced the disputes from the Courts. It shifted more power to the Central Government from the State Government which led to power in the hands of the Parliament for making changes in any parts of the Constitution without any judicial review.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C, i.e. Secular Socialist.

Note: The bill regarding the 42nd Amendment was passed in the Lok Sabha on 1st September 1976 by H.R. Gokhale.
The bill in the Rajya Sabha was passed on 4th November 1976.
It was passed on 11th November 1976, assigned on 18th December 1976 and commenced on 3rd January 1977 making it the final amendment in the Constitution of India.