Controversy Over Constitution Copy Sparks Debate and Allegations
A controversy surrounds the copy of the Constitution distributed to Members of Parliament (MPs). Congress alleges that the words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ have been removed from the preamble printed in the Constitution copy distributed during the new Parliament’s inauguration.
Allegations and Responses:
In response to Congress’s claims, the government argues that the original Constitution’s preamble was included in the distributed copy, and the words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ were never present. These words were introduced in the Constitution’s preamble through the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
Legal Aspects:
Changing the Constitution requires an amendment, and there’s a legal dimension to this dispute. The Supreme Court recognizes the Constitution’s preamble as an integral part. Thus, any alteration necessitates another constitutional amendment.
Doubts on Intentions:
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary expresses doubts about the BJP’s intentions. He acknowledges the 1976 amendment but raises concerns about the absence of these words in the distributed Constitution.
Government’s Perspective:
Law Minister Arjunram Meghwal defends the government’s stance, asserting that ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were not part of the original Constitution but were added in the 42nd Amendment.
Uncovering the Full Story:
Investigations reveal that the distributed Constitution copy contains both the original and revised preambles. While Adhir Ranjan’s claim appears inconclusive, the reasons behind retaining the old preamble remain unclear.
Distribution of Constitution Copy:
MPs received the Constitution copy during the special session of Parliament, coinciding with the relocation to the new Parliament building.
Historic Bill in the New Parliament:
On September 19, the first day of the new Parliament‘s functioning, the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Bill) was introduced in the Lok Sabha. This bill proposes a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, reserving 181 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats for women. The reservation will be in effect for 15 years, with the possibility of extension by Parliament.
The controversy surrounding the Constitution copy’s content raises questions about its implications for the political landscape and the interpretation of the Constitution’s preamble.