Government Rules Out Removing 'Secular' and 'Socialist' from Preamble
The Union government has no plans to remove the words "secular" and "socialist" from the Preamble to the Constitution, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament. His statement provides an official clarification amid recent calls for a review from some political and social groups. Meghwal noted that any amendment would require extensive deliberation and consensus, but no formal process has been initiated. The words were added in 1976 via the 42nd Amendment and have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Unpacked:
They were added during the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The government said the words would reinforce India’s commitment to social justice and religious equality, but critics argue they were inserted without proper debate during a period of curtailed democracy.
Supporters believe 'secular' and 'socialist' clarify the government's duty to remain neutral in religious matters and promote social welfare. Critics argue they were imposed undemocratically during the Emergency, limit policy options, and deviate from the original intent of the Constitution’s drafters.
The Supreme Court has upheld the inclusion of 'secular' and 'socialist,' dismissing petitions that challenged their addition. The Court stated that Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble, as per Article 368, provided the amendment follows due procedure.
Even before 1976, India practiced policies reflecting secularism (equal protection for all religions, no state religion) and socialism (land reforms, public sector expansion). The principles were present in governance, though the explicit words were not in the Preamble until the 42nd Amendment.