Which of the following words were added in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Socialist and Secular

• The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 made significant changes to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

• The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the Preamble by this Amendment.

• The Preamble was modified to read: "We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic..."

• "Socialist" reflects the idea of a state that works towards the welfare of its people, reducing social inequalities and ensuring economic justice.

• "Secular" ensures that the state does not favor any religion and treats all religions with equal respect.

Information Booster:

• Article 368: The 42nd Amendment was passed under the powers of Article 368, which deals with the amendment process in the Constitution.

• The term "Socialist" was intended to represent the state's commitment to reducing inequalities and striving for economic equality through state intervention and public welfare programs.

• The term "Secular" emphasizes that India has no official religion and religious tolerance is a fundamental principle of the state.

Additional Information:

• The 42nd Amendment was one of the most controversial amendments, as it also curtailed the powers of the judiciary and increased the powers of the Parliament.

• The 42nd Amendment was later partly undone by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978, which restored many provisions regarding the power of the judiciary.