Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2021 · Polity and Constitution · Question 93

What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

  1. A democratic Republic
  2. A Sovereign Democratic Republic
  3. A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
  4. A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Answer

A Sovereign Democratic Republic

  • (a) A democratic Republic — Incomplete. On 26 January 1950, India was not described merely as a democratic republic; the Constitution’s Preamble used "Sovereign Democratic Republic". Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic — Correct. The original Preamble, as adopted in 1949 and effective from 26 January 1950, described India as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic". Verdict: Correct.
  • (c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic — Incorrect. "Secular" was added later by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic — Incorrect. Both "Socialist" and "Secular" were inserted only by the 42nd Amendment, 1976. Verdict: Incorrect.
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