Why in news?
During political debates in mid‑2025 some leaders suggested that the words “Socialist” and “Secular” be removed from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The proposal triggered discussions about constitutional ideals and the Basic Structure doctrine.
Preamble and its evolution
- The Preamble introduces the Constitution and declares India to be a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” and to secure justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for its people.
- It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
- The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were inserted by the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency in 1976. The amendment aimed to emphasise the nation’s commitment to social equity and state neutrality in religious matters.
Meaning of the terms
- Socialist: In the Indian context, socialism does not imply state ownership of all resources. Rather, it reflects a commitment to social welfare, reduction of income disparities and equitable distribution of wealth through progressive taxation, welfare programmes and affirmative action.
- Secular: It means that the state has no official religion and treats all faiths equally. The government neither favours nor discriminates against any religion, and individuals have freedom of conscience and belief.
Arguments for removal
- Some argue that the original Preamble did not contain these terms and that the Constitution’s spirit was already socialist and secular by implication.
- They point out that Article 368 allows Parliament to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble (as held in the Kesavananda Bharati judgement), and that democratic societies should be able to reconsider past amendments.
- Critics contend that the socialist model has led to excessive state control and that India is moving towards a more market‑friendly approach. They also claim that “Secular” has been misused for vote‑bank politics.
Arguments against removal
- The Supreme Court has held that although the Preamble is not enforceable, it forms part of the Constitution and expresses its basic philosophy. Removing key words may affect the Basic Structure, which Parliament cannot alter.
- Judgements such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) and Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975) emphasised that democracy, secularism and the welfare state form part of the Constitution’s basic structure. Later cases like Minerva Mills (1980) reiterated this.
- Secularism is essential in a diverse country to ensure harmony and protection of minority rights. Removing it could undermine constitutional morality.
- Socialism in the Indian sense coexists with liberalisation; it guides policies on public health, education, poverty alleviation and labour rights.
- Changing the Preamble for political expediency could set a precedent for altering other foundational principles.
Conclusion
The debate reflects differing visions of India’s social contract. While the Constitution allows amendments, the basic structure doctrine restrains changes that alter its core values. Any proposal to remove “Socialist” and “Secular” must therefore be examined carefully to ensure it does not erode the inclusive and welfare‑oriented spirit of the Constitution.