The Preamble to the Indian Constitution evolved from the Objectives Resolution, which Jawaharlal Nehru moved in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. This resolution laid down the fundamental principles and objectives that would guide the framing of the Constitution.
Here’s a breakdown of the historical evolution and debates surrounding key terms:
1. Objectives Resolution (December 13, 1946):
- Nehru’s Objectives Resolution declared India’s firm and solemn resolve to constitute itself into an Independent Sovereign Republic.
- It proclaimed justice, social, economic, and political; equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law; and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith,1 worship, vocation, association, and action, subject to law and public morality.
- This2 resolution formed the basis for the Preamble and shaped the overall philosophy of the Constitution.
2. Debates in the Constituent Assembly:
- Sovereignty: There was general consensus on India becoming a sovereign nation, free from external control. However, there were discussions on the nature and extent of this sovereignty, particularly in relation to the Commonwealth.
- Republic: The idea of a republic, with an elected head of state, was widely accepted. This marked a clear departure from the colonial past and established India as a nation where political power resided in the people.
- Secularism: While the term “secular” was not explicitly mentioned in the original draft of the Preamble, the principles of religious freedom and equality were deeply embedded in the Constitution. There were debates on the extent of state intervention in religious matters and the need to protect minority rights.
- Socialism: The inclusion of the term “socialist” was debated extensively. Some members advocated for a more explicit commitment to socialist principles, while others preferred a more moderate approach. Ultimately, the term was added to the Preamble in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment.
- Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: These ideals, borrowed from the French Revolution, were widely embraced by the members of the Constituent Assembly. However, there were discussions on how to translate these abstract principles into concrete provisions in the Constitution.
3. Adoption of the Preamble:
- After extensive debates and revisions, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Preamble on November 26, 1949, along with the rest of the Constitution.
- The Preamble was placed at the beginning of the Constitution to serve as an introduction and a summary of its core values and objectives.
4. Amendments to the Preamble:
- The Preamble has been amended only once, in 1976, through the 42nd Amendment. This amendment added the words “socialist” and “secular” and changed “unity of the Nation” to “unity and integrity of the Nation.”
In summary, the Preamble to the Indian Constitution is a product of extensive deliberations and debates in the Constituent Assembly. It reflects the aspirations of the Indian people and the vision of the framers for a just, equitable, and democratic nation. The key terms in the Preamble were carefully chosen and debated to ensure that they accurately reflected the core values and objectives of the Constitution.