What is the significance of a preamble to a constitution?

IAS Mains General Studies Sample Answers

Bring out the philosophy of the Indian polity as enshrined in the preamble of the Indian constitution.


The preamble is a key to open the mind of makers it was held so in Berubary’s case of 1960 by the supreme court of India. It sets out the main objective that the constitution sought to be achieved. It has been regarded as a part of our constitution and it throws light upon the meaning and scopes of a provision if there is any ambiguities. In short it is the soul of the Indian constitution.

In simple language the Preamble, enshrines the philosophy of the Indian politics. First few word of it "we the people of India" suggest that the ultimate power lies in the hands of the people. It is a democracy in real sense indicating the rule by the people, for the people and of the people. Justice, equality, liberty and fraternity are most sought concepts embodied here. It is made clear that justice must be provided in all the spheres of social, economic and political by further narration. Liberty is given of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. The concept of equality in a matters of opportunities and of status in not based on similarity concept however, but is to be followed with classification.

On the other hand, while explaining the nature of political system, it says a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" state to India. For nationalization socialistic pattern is not meant but it is for equal distribution of wealth and resources. Respect for all religion in the meaning of the secularism.

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