In effect, the call for the removal of ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’ from the Preamble is against the constitutional mandate. Any attempt in that direction would lead to constitutional erosion.
In 1976, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution not only added two words but also introduced changes in 40 Articles & the Seventh Schedule while adding 14 new Articles.
The verdict on the preamble amendments of 1976 suggests that the courts will accept flexible meanings of terms. A Constitution built of plasticine can be made to mean anything.
Speaking at an event earlier this month, Justice Pankaj Mithal had said additions of 'socialist' and 'secular' in Preamble of the Constitution narrowed 'vastness of its spiritual image'.
The Department of Justice, which falls under the Law ministry, has set up a booth at the New Delhi World Book Fair where it is awarding certificates to those who read the Preamble.
When Gandhi talked about secularism, he was shown black flags. When Indira Gandhi amended the Constitution to add it, she was asked to clarify what she meant.
Bringing in the government whenever something goes wrong is a bad solution, and not in tune with the basic idea that religious affairs are not the business of the state.
Indian imports from China continue to grow significantly. India has taken steps to stabilise ties with China and recent months eased investment curbs in certain sectors for Chinese-linked firms.
Ottawa has handed over execution functions of critical defence projects to a CEO-led organisation for reducing procurement timelines and making it solely accountable for outcomes.
Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj doesn’t blame any political party or individual politicians. We only know the demographic in Punjab it’s bound to trigger the most.
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