Philosophy of the constitution and its main features
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We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular 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
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Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation
In our Constituent Assembly this twenty sixth day of November 1949 do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution. The rest of the Constitution came into force on the 26th of January, 1950. The Constitution thus derives its authority from the people of India (and is not a gift of the British Parliament).
The people have the freedom to choose the government and are entitled to an active role in determining what laws shall govern them. The primary and natural rights of the people are to be respected by the authority of the government.
India became a Republic from January 26, 1950. India decided to remain a member of the British Commonwealth but without acknowledging allegiance to the Crown. Indian Constitution reiterates that it shall promote international peace and maintain just and honorable relations between nations (Art. 51).
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The Constitution holds out equality to all citizens in the matters of choice of their representatives who are to run the governmental machinery. Unlike provisions in theoretic states, the Indian constitution leaves all offices open to Indian citizens of all religions.
The government shall be of the People, by the People and for the People. This was to be ensured through the introduction of universal suffrage. The government for the people gives our constitution a socialistic character. The Constitution commits all governments to provide equal opportunities to all citizens.
The Indian constitution does not seek to abolish property altogether but seeks to put it under restraints so that it may be used in the interest of the nation. It aims at offering equal opportunity and abolition of vested interests.
The secular State guarantees freedom of religion. The dignity of the individual is respected by provisions for just and humane conditions of work (Art. 42) and a decent standard of life (Art. 43). The Indian state has to play an active role in accelerating the process of bringing about social equality based on justice and welfare for all groups of citizens.
The guiding values of the Indian Constitution may be summarized as comprising equality, freedom, secularism, socialism and internationalism. These values have laid down the parameters within which the Indian constitution has to function.