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Question: Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (250 words)
Answer:
The Preamble of Indian constitution states that
”WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens…”
The adjectives attached to the word Republic are described below:
1. Sovereign: It indicates that India is neither a dependency not Dominion of any Nation. It denotes the sovereign nature of Indians and places ultimate decision making authority upon them.
Despite the evolution of multi-polar world order and numerous International organisations sovereignty remains an important issue. Though globalisation has increased interconnectedness and placed limitations on decision making sovereignty still remains non negotiable aspect.
2. Socialist: It was included by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976. Directive Principles of State Policy had already incorporated provisions of Gandhian socialism.
Even though liberalisation privatisation globalisation has opened up Indian economy ,the welfare state model of development has not been abandoned. There are numerous safeguards and schemes to protect the vulnerable section of the society.
3. Secular: It was also added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act. The amendment made explicit what was hitherto implicit in Indian Constitution. Fundamental rights (Part 3 of Indian constitution) Articles 25 to 28 had provided and elaborate basis for secularism.
Secularism remains the cornerstone of Indian democracy .It has been recognised by Supreme Court has the part of the unamendable basic structure of Indian constitution in SR Bommai case (1994).
4. Democratic: It indicate the form of Government adopted in India. We have opted for parliamentary democracy with regular elections, independence of Judiciary ,rule of law ,absence of discrimination, protection of rights, etc.
The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment act has deepened democracy and provided avenues for direct democratic participation.
Indian Preamble has been held by political philosophers for its succinct lucidness. Though the Preamble is non justiciable in nature the supreme court in Kesavananda Bharati case,1973 emphasize the importance of preamble. It held that the constitution should be read and interpret it in the light of the Nobel vision expressed through preamble.
The adjectives attached to the word Republic in Preamble or not only dependable but still reflect the democratic and secular ethos and capture the spirit of Indian Constitution.
