Preamble

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: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act 1976 introduced the words — socialist, secular and integrity- into the Preamble. A committee under the chairmanship of Sardar Swaran Singh recommended that this amendment be enacted.

Note:

         The Supreme Court ruled that Preamble is a part of the basic framework of the Constitution and cannot be amended. Amendment, when it means abridgement, is not allowed. That is, Preamble can be enriched but not restricted.