The Preamble of the Indian Constitution Notes Summary UPSC

Preamble Notes for UPSC

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is a brief introductory statement that outlines the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution. Therefore, Eminent Jurist Nani Palkhiwala called Preamble as “Identity Card of the Constitution”.

The Preamble’s function is to define who the Constitution is for, the sanction, the direction, the character of policy, and the Constitution’s goals and objectives.

It has been rightly called the “Horoscope of the Constitution” by KM Munshi, as it tells us about how the Indian state would be after its independence.

It reads as follows:

Unlike the constitutions of Australia, the United States, and Canada, India’s Constitution features a lengthy Preamble. Many constitutions over the world begin with a preamble to them to give an idea about the nature of polity in the country.

Historical Background of Preamble of Indian Constitution 

Objective resolution

• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is primarily based on the Objective Resolution written by Jawaharlal Nehru. He introduced this objective resolution on December 13, 1946, and the Constituent Assembly adopted it on January 22, 1947.
• The objective resolution was a pledge, an undertaking and a firm resolve that guided the constituent assembly for three years till the constitution was made.
• Initially, the Preamble was drafted by Sh. B. N. Rau in his memorandum of May 30, 1947, and was later reproduced in the Draft of October 7, 1947. In the context of the deliberations by the Constituent Assembly, the Preamble was reformulated.
• It was adopted on 26 November  1949, and implemented on January 26, 1950, also known as Republic Day.

In forming the Preamble based on Objective Resolution, the Drafting Committee felt that the Preamble should only deal with the basic features of the State and its objectives. The Committee has mentioned the words Sovereign, Democratic, and Republic Purpose.