Explanation:
1. The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as the golden spirit and philosophical foundation of the nation’s legal framework. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic, with it's objective to securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens.
2. It reflects the aspirations of the people and sets the tone for constitutional interpretation. Though not enforceable in itself, it acts as a beacon for governance and judicial review, ensuring that every law and policy aligns with the values of Inclusivity, Dignity, and National Unity envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution.
Case 1: ‘ Kesavananda Bharati's Case in 1973 ‘
- Landmark judgment declaring the ' Basic Structure Doctrine '.
- The power of Parliament to amend the Constitution is wide but not absolute.
- The Preamble was therefore regarded as an essential part of the Constitution and as an aid in legal interpretation.
- According to the Court, inegral elements like 'Democracy', 'The Rule of Law', and 'Judicial Review' cannot be risked.
- This case remains the foundation of constitutional jurisprudence in India.
Case 2: ‘ Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain , 1975 ‘
- Question if election of Prime Minister can be excluded from Judicial Revivew.
- An Amendment which brought to remove judicial review authority from review matters related to the election of Prime Minister. The Court struck down provisions of the Article 329A, Special provision as to elections to Parliament in the case of Prime Minister and Speaker. .
- Relied on the Preamble to underline Democracy and free elections as part of the Basic Structure.
- Argued that election integrity is a key aspect of constitutionalism.
- Strengthened the judiciary’s role in protecting democratic values. In another context it emphasis on 'Checks and Balances' between three pilirs of the Constitution 'Legislation', 'Executive', 'Judiciary'.
Case 3: ‘In re Berubari Union, ‘
- The conclusion was, Preamble has advisory opinion on the use of the Preamble for interpreting constitutional provisions.
- In this case it was held the Preamble is not a source of power or enforceable rights.
- But it recognized its importance as a key to understanding the Constitution’s aims.
- This was the first time that the Preamble had been judicially evaluated.
- Subsequent jurisprudence (Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973) widens its interpretative importance and overrulled the interpretation in this case.
History:
1. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 ==> The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, No. 44 of 1976, India Code (1976).
The Preamble is not an ornament; it is the soul of the Constitution. It embodies the vision of India’s founding fathers, shaping judicial interpretation and legislative action. The importance of its continued relevance is to preserve the democratic ethos of the country and to keep the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity as the benchmark for good governance.