To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?

As Nani Palkhivala remarked, the Preamble is the identity card of the Constitution. It is important to check the progress achieved on its values as a litmus test.

Ideas of Preamble Realised:

Social, Economic, and Political Justice

ex: MNREGA for employment

Nani Shaft Adhinyam for women's reservation

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

Liberty of Thought, Belief, Expression

ex: Freedom of press upheld (Roman Thapor case)

Freedom of religion upheld (Essential Practice Doctrine)

Dignity of individual

ex: BNC and GNSS for reformative ensured of remainder law.

Sovereignty, Socialistic, Secular Republic

ex: Strategic autonomy for sovereignty

PM Gujrat Kayyan Yojana for state support

Non-discrimination on religious base

However, it is not a complete success as:

Instances of religious nationalism.

ex: Bhopal Aryan by PM at Parliament

Rise of people under poverty

ex: Violated economic justice

Instances of overreach of ED, CBI

ex: Violated democratic dissent.

The evolution of Right to Property from a fundamental right to constitutional right under Art. 300-A showcases an evolution.

Property Right - Individual Right vs Public Welfare:

Originally, a fundamental right

ex: Guaranteed under Art. 19 of the constitution

Clash with the ideals of Land Reforms; here

ex: Champakail Doradian case (LSC held IFTs are supreme)

First Amendment to the Constitution

ex: Protected Public Welfare and Directive Principles.

Ultimately, converted into a constitutional right.

ex: Under Art. 300-A

Balancing individual rights with the notion of social welfare

ex: Supremacy of Article 39(b)(c) by the supreme court.

Way forward contemporarily:

Protect the Right to Property

ex: To promote investment (CLR Law, 2012)

Promote public welfare through consensus-oriented model.

ex: Sahakaar & Samgrahe

Thus, while the position of property rights have evolved, the underlying tenant of advancing national interest should continue to guide us towards 'Vikkat Bharat'.

— AMRIT MAHHAPATRA · AIR 121