Unnecessary (Un)settling

The words 'secular' and 'socialist,' added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution during the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment, have once again become the center of a growing political storm.

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Recent remarks by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale, and several Union ministers have revived debate around whether these additions were justified. Nevertheless, before jumping to any conclusion, one must delve into the core of the issue. The outcome of the political quarrel here will redefine India's constitutional identity—at a time that can safely be termed as highly polarized and when one end of the political spectrum enjoys overwhelming support from the majority. The question is, and always was: should the democratic foundations of India be determined by fluctuating political equations?

As a matter of fact, these terms were not part of the original Preamble adopted in 1950. They were inserted in 1976, at a time when democracy was allegedly under serious threat. That context has led many to question not just the legality but the moral standing of the amendment. However, apparently, what the critics are questioning is not just the actions of a particular political regime, but also the institutions—constitutional or otherwise—of India.