Key Principles of the Indian Constitution Preamble

Sovereign

It implies India is neither a dependency nor a dominion of any other nation but an independent state. Membership of the Commonwealth or UN membership does not diminish its sovereignty.

Socialist

The term was added through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. The Indian style of socialism is a democratic socialism (where both public and private enterprises are encouraged) as opposed to communist socialism (where the state decides everything concerning the distribution and usage of resources).

Indian socialism is a blend of Marxist and Gandhian socialism, with heavy leanings towards the latter.

Secular

The term was added through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. No religion in India is given the status of state religion; all religions are equal. This is evident when one considers the secular fundamental provisions of our Constitution, such as the right against discrimination based on religion, race, caste, etc.

Democratic

Our Constitution establishes a democracy based on popular sovereignty. Our democracy is an indirect democracy where elected representatives take decisions concerning the country. This is the opposite of direct democracy, where citizens take decisions using tools such as:

• Referendum
• Plebiscite
• Initiative
• Recall

Republic

India is a democratic republic, meaning its offices are open to every citizen of India, unlike the UK where the highest office in the country is reserved for the monarchy. The head of the nation is one among the citizens of India.

Justice

The ideal of justice in this case embraces three distinct forms: social, economic, and political.

• Social justice: Denotes the equal treatment of all citizens without any social discrimination.
• Economic justice: Denotes the non-discrimination between people on the basis of economic factors.
• Political justice: Means all citizens should have equal political rights, equal access to all political offices, and an equal voice in the government.

Liberty

It means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals and, at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individuals. The Preamble assures to all citizens liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship through various provisions. This ideal was borrowed from the French Revolution.

Equality

It means the absence of special privileges to any section of society and the provision of adequate opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination. The equality mentioned in the Preamble embraces civic, political, and economic equality. This ideal was borrowed from the French Revolution, and various provisions of our Constitution give effect to this principle.