The Indian State seeks to ensure that all its citizens enjoy justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity in order to foster unity among the populace and uphold societal integrity. The idea of social, economic, and political justice is influenced by the Russian Revolution of 1917, whereas the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity outlined in the Preamble originate from the French Revolution that occurred from 1789 to 1799. 

Objectives Of The Indian Constitution: Justice in the Indian Constitution

Meaning: Citizens should not face discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender, and efforts should be made to lessen social inequalities. The government is tasked with promoting the welfare of all, particularly for marginalized groups.

• Explanation: The Preamble of our Constitution outlines three aspects of justice – Social, Economic, and Political. o Social justice: This involves treating all citizens equally, regardless of their social distinctions such as caste, color, or religion. As a result, no particular section of society is afforded special privileges. However, the state also actively works to enhance the circumstances of backward classes and women.
  • Social justice: It refers to the equal treatment of all citizens without regard to their social distinction based on caste, colour, religion etc. Thus, privileges are absent in favour of any particular section of society. However, at the same time, the state takes positive efforts to improve the conditions of backward classes and women.
  • Economic justice: This implies no discrimination among individuals due to their economic conditions. It also encompasses efforts to minimize significant disparities in wealth, income, and property. Together, social and economic justice form the basis of distributive justice, which concerns fairness in the distribution of rewards and burdens. 
  • Political justice: This means that every citizen possesses equal political rights, has equal access to political positions, and carries an equal influence in government decisions. Therefore, the vote of a common citizen in an election holds the same weight as that of the Prime Minister. Likewise, any citizen is eligible to contest for any government position during elections.

Objectives Of The Indian Constitution: Concept of Liberty in the Indian Constitution

Meaning: Citizens should face no unjust restrictions regarding their thoughts, the manner in which they express those thoughts, or how they choose to act on them. 

• Explanation: ‘Liberty’ signifies the absence of constraints on a person’s actions. It also entails providing possibilities for the growth of individual identities. However, individuals must not abuse this freedom and should practice it within the boundaries set by the Constitution of India. Therefore, this freedom is not absolute but rather conditioned. Equality.  

Objectives Of The Indian Constitution: Principle of Equality in the Indian Constitution

Meaning: Everyone is equal under the law. Existing social inequalities should be eliminated. The government must ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. ●

• Explanation: The concept of equality laid out in the Preamble encompasses equal status and opportunity for all Indian citizens. No specific group in society should receive special privileges, while sufficient opportunities should be made available to all without discrimination. The Constitution outlines three dimensions of equality: civil, political, and economic. 
  • Civic equality ensures that all individuals enjoy the same rights and freedoms. This principle is articulated in: Equality before the law (Article 14), Prohibition against discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth (Article 15), and the Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17), among others. 
  • Economic equality involves offering fair and equal opportunities for employment to all. Article 16 guarantees citizens equality of opportunity in public employment matters. o Political equality ensures that everyone has an equal chance to engage in the political arena. This principle is reflected in the provision of universal adult suffrage in all elections in India and is articulated in Article 325. Article 325 prevents any individual from being excluded from electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, or sex.

Objectives Of The Indian Constitution Fraternity in the Indian Constitution

Meaning: Everyone should act as though they belong to the same family. Every citizen should be viewed as equal to one another.

• Explanation: Fraternity signifies a sense of brotherhood. The Constitution includes several provisions to foster this feeling of fraternity: 

• Single citizenship: The Constitution provides for a single citizenship system. 

• Fundamental duty: According to Article 51A, every citizen is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding sovereignty, unity, and integrity, which are crucial for social and economic progress of the nation. Moreover, it is the duty of every citizen to cultivate harmony and a spirit of brotherhood among all individuals in India, transcending differences in religion, language, region, or community. . 
• Provision in Preamble: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 substituted “Unity of the Nation” with “Unity and Integrity of the Nation.” This concept includes both psychological and territorial aspects of national integration. The fraternity referenced in the preamble emphasizes two components: 1) Guaranteeing the dignity of each individual; and 2) The unity and integrity of the nation. 

Importance of the Preamble

• Represents the essence of the constitution: The Preamble serves as the essence and foundation of the Indian Constitution.
• Fundamental principles: It delineates the key principles that the Constitution seeks to fulfill. It explains the primary objectives of the Constitution. It expresses the foundational principles and essential values of the Constitution.  
• Reveals the thoughts of Constitutional framers: The Constitution mirrors the vision of India’s freedom movement and those of its founders. 

Two crucial aspects of the Preamble:

• It does not serve as a foundation for the powers of the legislature nor does it restrict those powers. 
• It is not subject to legal enforcement, meaning its provisions cannot be upheld in court

Debates Regarding Preamble

Drafting of Preamble and constitution led to debates like ‘Whether preamble should be considered as part of the constitution’ or ‘whether preamble is legally enforceable in court of law’. These questions further led to a probe that whether the preamble can also be amended or not? These questions were addressed by the supreme court through various judgements. 

There are few instances that provide insight into the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution

Berubari Union Case (1960) 

The Supreme Court determined that the Preamble is not an integral part of the constitution and cannot be amended. The court noted that the Preamble outlines the overarching aims behind different provisions of the Constitution. It serves as a crucial insight into the intentions of the Constitution’s creators. Furthermore, the Court mentioned that when the language in any article is unclear or open to multiple interpretations, guidance can be drawn from the objectives outlined in the Preamble. The Court determined that the Preamble is not regarded as a component of the Constitution and cannot be amended. 

Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) 

The Supreme Court determined that the Preamble is included in the constitution and can be amended.

The Supreme Court remarked on the Preamble’s significant importance, asserting that the Constitution should be interpreted in accordance with the noble and grand vision articulated in the Preamble. The Court dismissed its previous judgment and declared that the Preamble is a component of the Constitution that can be amended

LIC of India case (1995)

The Preamble of India is recognized as an essential component of the constitution.

The Supreme Court reiterated that the Preamble is indeed part of the Constitution and aligns with the thoughts of the Constitution’s framers. Nonetheless, there are two key aspects that need to be taken into account:

1. The Preamble does not serve as a basis for the legislature’s powers nor does it impose a limitation on those powers. 
2. It is non-justiciable, which means its provisions cannot be enforced in courts of law.