Concept notes: The Preamble of the Constitution of India is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the document. The Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976, introduced several words into the Preamble, including "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity." However, "Dignity" was already present in the original Preamble.
Explanation: The Preamble of the Constitution of India is a foundational statement that outlines the guiding principles and objectives of the Constitution. It was originally adopted on November 26, 1949, and has undergone several amendments over the years to reflect the evolving values and aspirations of the Indian state.
One significant amendment to the Preamble was the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This amendment was enacted during the Emergency period and introduced several new words into the Preamble. The words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" were added to the Preamble through this amendment. These additions were intended to reflect the socialist and secular nature of the Indian state and to emphasize the importance of national unity and territorial integrity.
However, the word "Dignity" was already present in the original Preamble. The original Preamble, adopted in 1949, included the phrase "We, the People of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign 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."
Therefore, "Dignity" was not a new addition through the Forty Second Amendment. It was already a part of the original Preamble, reflecting the commitment to the dignity of the individual as a fundamental principle of the Indian state.
Understanding the historical context and the specific amendments to the Preamble is crucial for comprehending the evolution of the Indian Constitution and the values it represents. The Forty Second Amendment, while significant, did not introduce the concept of "Dignity" to the Preamble, as it was already an integral part of the original document.