UPSC Prelims 2021 Q93: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) A Democratic Republic
- (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
- (c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
- (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
Answer: (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
Explanation
Constitutional Status of India on 26 January 1950
| Preamble Version | Wording | When |
|---|---|---|
| Original (1950) | 'We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC...' | 26 January 1950 |
| Post-1976 (42nd Amendment) | 'We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC...' | 1977 onwards |
On 26 January 1950, India was constitutionally a 'SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC'. The words 'SOCIALIST' and 'SECULAR' were added later by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976, effective 1977) during the Emergency period.
Answer: (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Original Preamble had 'SOVEREIGN' before 'Democratic' - option (a) misses 'Sovereign'.
- (b) CORRECT. On 26 January 1950 (when Constitution came into force), India was constitutionally a 'SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC' per the original Preamble. The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
- (c) Incorrect. 'Secular' was added by 42nd Amendment 1976, not in original 1950 Preamble.
- (d) Incorrect. Both 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were 42nd Amendment additions - not in original 1950.
Key point
On 26 January 1950 = SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC. 'SOCIALIST' and 'SECULAR' added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976, during Emergency). Also added 'unity and integrity of the Nation' (replacing 'unity of the Nation').
Remember
On 26 January 1950, the exact constitutional status of India was 'A SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC' per the original Preamble. The words 'SOCIALIST' and 'SECULAR' were added later by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976). Correct answer: (b).
Common mistakes
- Assuming current Preamble was the original. 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular' and modified 'unity'.
- Not knowing the 42nd Amendment was passed during Emergency (1975-77) and is called 'Mini-Constitution' for its extensive changes.
- Missing that 'Republic' (not Monarchy) was chosen in 1950 - breaking from British Commonwealth (though India stayed in Commonwealth).
Exam tip
42nd Amendment (1976) key changes to Preamble: added 'SOCIALIST', 'SECULAR', and changed 'unity of the Nation' to 'unity and integrity of the Nation'. Other 42nd Amendment changes: Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), transferred Education/Forests/Weights and Measures to Concurrent List, etc. Called 'Mini-Constitution'.
Sources
- Constitution of India - Original Preamble (1950)
- Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976