Debate Over Preamble's 'Secular' and 'Socialist' Terms Intensifies

The Union government confirmed no current plans exist to remove 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Constitution's Preamble. While political debates continue, no formal process has been initiated. The Supreme Court upheld the 1976 amendment's inclusion of these terms, emphasizing their relevance to India's constitutional framework.

The Union government announced on Thursday that it has no plans to reassess or expunge the terms 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. These words were added during the Emergency period, and the government's stance was made clear in the Rajya Sabha session.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, in a written reply, highlighted that although there may be ongoing discussions in political circles, the government has not formally embarked on any legal process to alter these terms. He emphasized that any amendment to the Preamble would necessitate comprehensive deliberation and a broad consensus.

The minister referred to the November 2024 Supreme Court decision, which dismissed challenges to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, affirming Parliament's authority to amend the Preamble. The Court emphasized that 'socialism' connotes a welfare state and doesn't hinder private sector growth, while 'secularism' is a pillar of India's constitutional framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)