क्या आप मानते हैं कि प्रस्तावना भारतीय संविधान का केवल परिचय है, जिसका कोई ठोस या वास्तविक महत्व नहीं है?
(10 marks, 150 words)
Ans:- The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is not merely an introductory note; it is a brief yet profound statement that lays down the core philosophy, objectives, and guiding principles of the Constitution. It clearly establishes that the ultimate authority of the Constitution flows from the people of India. Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, it came into force on 26 January 1950 along with the Constitution.
The Preamble performs several important functions:
• It declares that the people of India are the ultimate source of constitutional authority.
• It defines India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
• It reflects the vision and philosophy of the Constitution-makers, highlighting their commitment to:
• building a welfare state based on social, economic, and political justice;
• establishing a liberal democratic polity that guarantees liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship;
• creating an egalitarian social order ensuring equality of status and opportunity;
• promoting fraternity, unity, and integrity among all citizens.
Because of this intrinsic value, the Preamble has immense constitutional significance:
• It forms a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
• It acts as an interpretative guide for courts whenever constitutional provisions are ambiguous.
• It reveals the transformative intent of the framers, aimed at bringing about a socio-economic revolution in India through constitutional governance and morality.
• It is also highly useful for the common citizen, as its simple and clear language helps people understand the nature, ideals, and promises of the Constitution, especially significant in the context of widespread illiteracy at the time of independence.
Therefore, the Preamble is far more than a mere preface. It is rightly regarded as the “soul of the Constitution”, as it captures the essence of constitutional morality, national aspirations, and democratic values. Its significance lies in guiding both the state and citizens toward the constitutional vision of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.