Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Government Reaffirms: No Plans to Remove 'Socialism' and 'Secularism'
The government has said it doesn't plan to take out the words "socialism" and "secularism" from the beginning of the Constitution.
These words were added a long time ago.
If they wanted to change the Constitution, they'd need to talk about it a lot and get everyone to agree.
The Supreme Court has already said that these words are okay to be there.
The court explained that "socialism" means helping people, not stopping businesses, and "secularism" is an important part of the Constitution's foundation.
The government has no plans to remove "socialism" and "secularism" from the Constitution.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed this in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Discussions about amending the preamble would require thorough deliberation and consensus.
The Supreme Court affirmed the validity of the 1976 amendment inserting "socialist" and "secular" into the preamble.
The Court stated "socialism" in India means a welfare state, not impeding private sector growth, and "secularism" is part of the Constitution's structure.
- Who
- Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, Supreme Court
- What
- The government stated no current plans to remove "socialism" and "secularism" from the Constitution.
- When
- In a written reply on Thursday; the 42nd Amendment occurred in 1976; November 2024
- Where
- Rajya Sabha; Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To address questions about the government's stance on amending the Constitution's preamble.
Those supporting inclusion
Those against inclusion
Current Constitutional Status
Those supporting inclusion
The constitution already includes the words "socialism" and "secularism". The Supreme Court affirmed these values.
Those against inclusion
There is no differing perspective, as the government is aligned.
- Minister
- Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Government Stance
- No plans to remove 'socialism' and 'secularism'
- Key Words
- Socialism, Secularism
- Amendment Year
- 1976 (42nd Constitutional Amendment)
- Court Case
- Dr Balram Singh and others Vs Union of India