Preamble, the Soul of the Constitution
The Preamble to the Constitution is a reflection of the core constitutional values that embody the Constitution. It declares India to be a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic committed to Justice, Equality and Liberty for the people.
The Preamble does not grant substantive rights and is not enforceable in the courts, but various Indian courts have engaged with the Preamble and have treated it as guiding light in the interpretation of the Constitution.
The opening and last sentences of the Preamble: “We, the people…adopt enact and give to ourselves this Constitution” signifies the power that is vested in the hands of the people.