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10th February 2024 (7 Topics)

The Debate Over “Socialist” and “Secular” in Preamble

Context

In a public interest litigation filed seeking to delete the words "Socialist" & "Secular" from the Preamble to the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court asked if the Preamble could have been amended while keeping the date intact. It has sparked a significant legal and constitutional debate.

The Amendment (in discussion)

  • The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were inserted in the Preamble of the Constitution under the 42nd Constitutional amendment moved by the Indira Gandhi government in 1976.
  • The amendment changed the description of India in the Preamble from a "sovereign, democratic republic" to a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
  • However, the insertion of these terms was not without controversy. Critics argued that it was a departure from the original vision of the Constitution’s framers.

Preamble

  •  The Preamble to the Indian Constitution serves as a concise statement of the fundamental principles and objectives that guide the nation.
  • Adopted on November 26, 1949, it outlines the aspirations of the Indian people and sets the tone for the entire constitutional framework.
  • The Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republic nation.
  • Amendment: As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Preamble of the Constitution of India can be amended.

Key Words in the Preamble

Sovereign:

The term ‘Sovereign’ which is proclaimed by the Preamble means that India has its own independent authority and it is not a dominion of any other external power. In the country, the legislature has the power to make laws which is subjected to certain limitations.

Socialist:

The term ‘Socialist’ was added in the Preamble by 42nd Amendment, 1976 which means the achievement of socialist ends through democratic means. It is basically a ‘Democratic Socialism’ that holds faith in a mixed economy where both private and public sectors co-exist side by side.

Secular:

The term ‘Secular’ was incorporated in the Preamble by 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976 which means that all the religions in India get equal respect, protection and support from the state.

Democratic:

The term ‘Democratic’ implies that the Constitution of India has an established form of Constitution which gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an election.

Republic:

The term ‘Republic’ indicates that the head of the state is elected by the people directly or indirectly. In India, the President is the head of the state and he is elected indirectly by the people.

Petitioner’s contention

  • The petitioner has contended that Preamble cannot be altered, varied, or repealed.
  • He says that the Preamble not only indicated the essential features of the Constitution but also the fundamental conditions based on which it was adopted to create a unified integrated community.

Basic Structure Doctrine

  •  The Constitution of India defines its 'basic structure' in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
  • The Indian Constitution, a dynamic document, can be amended by the Parliament as needed.
  • Article 368 grants the power to amend the Constitution, but the doctrine of basic structure ensures that this power is not misused.
  • The idea is to safeguard the core principles of the Constitution, preserving its identity.

 Timeline for Evolution of Basic Structure

 Pre-Golak Nath Era

  •  In 1951, the Constitution was amended to introduce Article 31A and 31B. Article 31B created the 9th Schedule, which shielded laws from challenges based on Fundamental Rights violations.
  • A petition challenged Article 31A and 31B, arguing that they abridged rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution. The Supreme Court had to decide whether these provisions were void under Article 13(2).

 Golak Nath v. State of Punjab (1967)

  •  The Supreme Court initially held that no part of the Constitution could be amended.
  • This stance changed in the landmark case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).

 Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)=

  • In this pivotal case, a Constitutional Bench ruled by a 7-6 verdict that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution as long as it did not alter the basic structure.
  • The judgment established the basic structure doctrine and outlined the immutable features of the Constitution.

 Supreme Court’s Views

  • The Supreme Court judge asked the counsels to consider, from an academic point of view, if the Preamble could have been amended earlier (by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976) to include the words Socialist and Secular while keeping the date of adoption (November 29, 1949) intact.

Arguments for Removal

  • Historical and Cultural Essence: The petitioners contend that the addition of “socialist” and “secular” disrupts the historical and cultural essence of India. They argue that the original Preamble, as drafted by the Constituent Assembly, did not include these terms.
    • The Constituent Assembly, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, deliberately chose not to include “secular” in the Preamble during the drafting process. The omission was a conscious decision, reflecting the diverse religious fabric of India.
  • Violation of Fundamental Rights: The petitioners assert that the inclusion of “socialist” and “secular” infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
  • Freedom of speech, expression, and religion are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Critics argue that the insertion of these terms may restrict these rights by imposing a specific ideological framework.
  • Parliament’s Authority: While Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, altering the Preamble raises unique challenges. Unlike other provisions, the Preamble is considered part of the Constitution’s basic structure.

Arguments for Retention

  • Changing Socio-Economic Realities: Supporters of retaining “socialist” argue that it reflects the changing socio-economic realities of India. The country has made significant strides in reducing poverty and promoting social welfare. The term “socialist” underscores the commitment to equitable distribution of resources and social justice.
  • Secularism as a Foundational Principle: The insertion of “secular” reinforces India’s secular character and commitment to religious harmony.
  • Judicial Review and Basic Structure Doctrine: Subramanian Swamy’s petition highlights that the Preamble not only formed the essential features of the Constitution but also the fundamental conditions based on which various groups and interests adopted the Constitution with the hope to create one unified integrated community. The Preamble, being an integral part of the Constitution, may fall within this protected zone.
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