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Calls for Review of 'Secularism' and 'Socialism' in the Preamble

27 Jun 2025 GS 2 Polity


  • Context:
    Speaking at an event commemorating 50 years since the Emergency (1975), RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale questioned the inclusion of the words ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.

  • Key Points Raised:

    • These words were not part of the original Preamble drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

    • He termed their insertion during the Emergency (via the 42nd Amendment, 1976) as ideologically debatable and called for a review.

    • He asked whether socialism as an ideology is eternal to India, and whether these two terms should continue to remain in the Preamble.

    • Also criticised the Congress government’s actions during the Emergency, including:

      • Violation of fundamental rights

      • Forcible sterilisation of over 60 lakh people

      • Imprisonment of over 1 lakh citizens, including 250 journalists

      • Curtailment of judicial independence

Constitutional and Legal Background

42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976

  • Added the words "Secular", "Socialist", and "Integrity" to the Preamble.

  • Passed during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi's government.

  • Critics argue this amendment lacked wide democratic deliberation.

Original Preamble (1950)

  • Described India as a: Sovereign Democratic Republic

  • Post-1976: Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Secularism in Indian Constitution

Constitutional Articles:

  • Article 14 – Equality before law.

  • Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion.

  • Article 25-28 – Freedom of religion.

  • Article 44 – Directive Principle promoting a Uniform Civil Code.

Important Judgments:

  • Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973):

    • Held the Basic Structure Doctrine.

    • Secularism is part of basic structure and cannot be abrogated.

  • S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994):

    • Asserted that Secularism is a basic feature.

    • State cannot promote any religion.

  • Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002):

    • Upheld the teaching of religion-neutral moral values in schools.

Socialism in Indian Constitution

Definition:

  • Implies economic and social justice, not Marxist socialism.

  • Supports mixed economy, state responsibility for welfare.

Related Provisions:

  • Directive Principles (Part IV):

    • Article 38 – State to secure a social order based on justice.

    • Article 39(b)(c) – Equitable distribution of material resources.

Relevant Judgments:

  • Excel Wear v. Union of India (1978):

    • Court upheld that socialism under the Constitution does not negate individual freedom or right to business.

  • Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997):

    • Emphasised social justice and land distribution to tribals.

 For UPSC mains Answer Writing

Pros of Keeping Secularism & Socialism:

  • Reflects India's pluralistic ethos and welfare commitment.

  • Reinforced through judicial interpretations.

  • Strengthens constitutional morality and inclusive governance.

Arguments for Review:

  • Added during the Emergency, raising democratic legitimacy questions.

  • India's socialist economic model has shifted post-1991 reforms.

  • Secularism, though practiced, may need an Indian contextual redefinition.



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