Vice President Dhankhar Highlights Constitution's Preamble: 'Not Alterable' Despite 1976 Emergency Amendment
NEW DELHI: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently made a significant statement regarding the sanctity of the Indian Constitution's Preamble. He emphatically declared that the Preamble is “not changeable,” emphasizing its role as the foundational “seed” upon which the entire document is built. His remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about constitutional amendments and interpretations.
Addressing a gathering on Saturday, Dhankhar underscored the immutable nature of the Preamble, stating that it forms the bedrock of the Constitution. He explained that the Preamble of any constitution serves as its core philosophy and guiding principles, and alterations to it would fundamentally undermine its essence.
However, Dhankhar acknowledged a historical anomaly. He pointed out that during the Emergency period in 1976, the Preamble was indeed amended. This controversial amendment, introduced by the then-government, added the words “socialist” and “secular” to the Preamble. While the amendment was later struck down by the courts, the event remains a contentious chapter in Indian constitutional history.
“The Preamble is not changeable, it is not alterable. It is the seed. It is the base. It is the foundation,” Dhankhar stated firmly. “But, we had an Emergency in 1976. During the Emergency, the Preamble was changed. It was struck down subsequently.”
The Vice President’s comments are particularly relevant given the ongoing debates surrounding the interpretation and potential amendments to various constitutional provisions. His assertion reinforces the importance of preserving the original intent and spirit of the Constitution, while acknowledging the historical complexities and challenges faced in upholding its principles.
Legal experts have noted that Dhankhar’s remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between the need for constitutional amendments to adapt to changing societal needs and the imperative to safeguard the fundamental values enshrined in the Constitution. The 1976 Emergency amendment serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of power and the importance of judicial review in protecting constitutional principles.
Dhankhar’s address has sparked renewed interest in the Preamble's significance and the safeguards needed to protect it from unwarranted alterations. It underscores the enduring relevance of the Constitution and the ongoing responsibility of citizens and policymakers to uphold its integrity.