Preamble as the philosophical framework guiding the Indian Constitution:

The Preamble is a guiding light to the minds of the makers of our Constitution. For a proper appreciation of the aims & aspirations embodied in our Constitution, we must turn to the expressions contained in the Preamble.

♤ Sovereign: The Preamble envisages a sovereign India that is free to conduct its own affairs without control from any other state or external power.

♤ Republic: It means vesting of political sovereignty in the people and thus India has an elected head called the President.

♤ Democratic: It envisages not just political but social democracy as well. Consequently, the Indian Constitution provides for a parliamentary democracy that is representative, responsible, and accountable and that stands for the good of all people.

♤ Justice: The ideal of political, economic and social justice enshrined in the Preamble is sought to be achieved through universal adult suffrage, creation of welfare state, removal of social inequalities etc.

♤ Liberty: The Preamble mentions certain minimal rights to every member of the society, as essential for a free and civilised existence. The Constitution guarantees these rights against all authorities of the state in the form of freedom of thought, belief, expression, faith and worship [Articles 19, 25-28] subject to certain restrictions like morality, public health and order etc.

♤ Equality: The ideals of equality of status and opportunity envisaged by the Preamble are guaranteed by the Constitution that seeks to banish all inequality through fundamental right to equality [Articles 14-18], directive principles of the state policy [Article 39] and other similar provisions.

♤ Fraternity: The Preamble calls for a spirit of brotherhood amongst all sections of people. This has sought to be achieved by enshrining the ideals of a ‘secular’ state. Besides, the Constitution assures the dignity of the individual through provision of justiciable fundamental rights and certain directives like Article 39(a), 42 & 43. By including Article 51A, the Constitution makes it a fundamental duty of the citizens to uphold the unity & integrity of the nation.

Thus, we see that the ideals contained in the Objectives Resolution, were embodied in the Preamble. These ideals went on to shape the political philosophy of the Indian Constitution in subsequent stages. Consequently, these determined the nature and course of the India in the forthcoming years as a liberal, democratic, egalitarian and secular nation.

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