Preamble

Preamble

The term ‘preamble’ refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution. It consists of the ideals, objectives and basic principles of the Constitution. It has great value and has been described as the ‘key to the Constitution’.

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the ‘Objective Resolution’, drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. It has been amended once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, which added three new words - socialist, secular and integrity. The Preamble begins with the phrase ‘We, the People of India’. Thus, we can say that the people of India are the source of our Constitution. The Preamble of our Constitution states that India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. Its aim is to secure to all Indian citizens Social, economic and political justice.

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were the important slogans during the French Revolution in 1789. They are given importance in the Preamble of our Constitution.