The Union government on Thursday told Parliament that it does not intend to review or drop the words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ from the Preamble of the Constitution. These terms were included in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency. Addressing recent public debate and statements by prominent figures, the government confirmed that no formal proposal or process is underway to alter these provisions.
Government’s Stand in Parliament
Responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman during the Rajya Sabha’s Question Hour on 24 July 2025, Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal clarified that while debates may be taking place in political or public circles, they do not reflect any official initiative.
The response was part of Starred Question No. 54, documented in the official Rajya Sabha record under the title “Amendments to the Preamble” and laid on the table of the House by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs.
In his written reply, Meghwal said, “The Government has not formally initiated any legal or constitutional process to remove the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble of the Constitution.” He added, “While there may be discussions or debates in certain public or political circles, no formal decision or proposal has been announced by the Government regarding amendments to these terms.”
Meghwal went on to underline the government’s official position, stating that there is currently no plan or intention to reconsider the presence of the two words. “Any discussions regarding amendments to the Preamble would require thorough deliberation and broad consensus,” he said, adding that as of now, the government has not started any such process.
Supreme Court Ruling Cited
The Minister also referred to the Supreme Court’s verdict delivered in November 2024 in the case of Dr Balram Singh and Others vs Union of India and Another, in which the apex court dismissed petitions challenging the insertion of the terms through the 42nd Amendment. The court upheld that Parliament, under Article 368 of the Constitution, has the authority to amend the Preamble.
It further clarified that in the Indian context, ‘socialism’ refers to a welfare-oriented state and does not hinder the growth or functioning of the private sector. The court also reaffirmed that ‘secularism’ is part of the Constitution’s basic structure and is not open to removal or dilution, even through a constitutional amendment.
Political Commentary Sparks Debate
In light of the rising commentary on the matter from ideological quarters, the government also addressed concerns about whether social groups or individuals outside Parliament were shaping a narrative around the issue. Meghwal acknowledged that some social organisations might be advocating for the reconsideration of the terms. However, he stressed that these activities “can create a public discourse or atmosphere around the issue, but this does not necessarily reflect the official stance or actions of the Government.”
This clarification came in the wake of a series of remarks by prominent individuals linked to the Sangh Parivar and the broader ideological base of the ruling party. In June, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for a nationwide discussion on the continued inclusion of the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Preamble. He contended that the words were inserted during the Emergency without broad consensus and argued that they do not align with India’s civilizational ethos.
The political debate had intensified last month after then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, speaking at an event, described the inclusion of the two terms in the Preamble as a “festering wound.” While stating that the Preamble was “sacrosanct and not changeable,” Dhankhar had also referred to the Emergency-era amendment as a “sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatan.” His remarks were seen as lending weight to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s call for a re-examination of the Constitution’s language.
