The Supreme Court of India has ruled decisively against petitions seeking the removal of the words “Socialist” and “Secular” from the Preamble of the Constitution. The Court upheld the terms as essential to the Constitution’s core structure, rejecting claims that their inclusion in the 42nd Amendment of 1976 lacked public approval or legislative debate.

In a robust defense of India’s democratic values, Justice Sanjiv Khanna explained that “Socialism” refers to ensuring equality of opportunity and welfare for all, while “Secularism” signifies the coexistence of diverse religions without state interference. This interpretation, he stressed, is central to India’s unique approach to governance.

The ruling also dismissed the argument that these terms impose ideological constraints, emphasizing that the Preamble’s language is consistent with the nation’s evolving social and cultural context. The judgment solidifies the Supreme Court’s role in preserving the fundamental values of India’s democratic framework.