Question 72 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Polity and
Governance

Question

Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Economic liberty

Strategy: The Preamble phrases to focus on are 'liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.' Economic liberty is not mentioned; the Preamble stresses liberty in non-economic terms. Spotting which liberty isn't directly stated lets you quickly eliminate the rest and mark option B as not embodied.

Key Info: The Preamble to the Constitution of India outlines the guiding principles and values of the Indian State. It proclaims several key objectives:

- **Justice:** Social, economic, and political.
- **Liberty:** Of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. Economic liberty is not explicitly mentioned; the Preamble focuses on non-economic aspects like intellectual, religious, and civil-personal freedoms.
- **Equality:** Of status and opportunity.
- **Fraternity:** Assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

The Preamble serves as an interpretive guide to the Constitution but is not directly enforceable by courts. A notable related case is Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), which recognized the Preamble as part of the Constitution's 'basic structure'.

Answer

Option A: Liberty of thought

Answer

Option C: Liberty of expression

Answer

Option D: Liberty of belief