Objective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly

The intentions and ambitions of those who designed the Indian Constitution are embodied in it. The objective resolutions provided a much-needed philosophy to the Indian Constitution and effected its formulation.

During the first session of the Constitution Assembly, Jawaharlal Nehru proposed “The Objective Resolution, 1946.” These resolutions fundamentally reflected the aspirations of the individuals who were writing the Constitution.

It may be seen as a foreshadowing of the ambitions that the Constitution’s authors aspired to realise after independence in the form of a new India. These resolutions were included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Objectives of the Resolution

Jawaharlal Nehru introduced these resolutions on December 13, 1946, and the assembly adopted these resolutions on January 22, 1947. 

The following is a summary of these resolutions:

• India is a sovereign, independent republic
• India should be a union comprising former British Indian territory, Indian States, and additional areas outside of British India and the Indian States that choose to join the Union
• The territories that comprise the Union shall be autonomous units, exercising all powers and responsibilities of government and administration save those designated to or vested in the Union
• All sovereign and independent India’s powers and authority, as well as its constitution, should derive from the people
• All Indians must be guaranteed social, economic, and political fairness; equality of position and opportunity; equality before the law; and basic freedoms – of expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action – subject to the law and public morality
• Minorities, backward and tribal communities, the poor and other disadvantaged groups must be well protected
• The territorial integrity of the Republic, as well as its sovereign rights on land, sea and air, should be preserved in accordance with civilised country justice and law
• The country would contribute fully and willingly to the advancement of world peace and the well-being of humanity

Resolution with a Goal

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Objective Resolution on December 13, 1946, which established the concept and guiding principles for building the Constitution and eventually took the shape of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. On 22 January 1947, the Constituent Assembly accepted this Resolution.

According to the Resolution, the Constituent Assembly would first proclaim India as the Independent Sovereign Republic, with all territories remaining autonomous and possessing residuary powers; all Indians would be guaranteed justice, equality of status, freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association, and subject to the law and public morality; and adequate safeguards would be provided for minorities, backward, and depressed people.

Conclusion

The objectives listed in the Preamble constitute the core structure of the Constitution, which cannot be modified in exercising the power granted by Article 368 of the Constitution. Pluralism is the cornerstone of Indian culture, whereas religious tolerance is the foundation of Indian secularism. The Preamble may be used to define the scope of basic rights and governmental policy directive principles. According to the preamble, India has arisen as a sovereign, socialistic, secular democratic republic that guarantees its inhabitants Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.