What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?
- (a) A Democratic Republic
- (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
- (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
Why the answer is (b)
• The original Preamble adopted on 26 November 1949 and in force on 26 January 1950 declared India a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic' — option (b).
• The words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' (and 'integrity' in the unity clause) were inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency.
• In November 2024 the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging these 1976 insertions.
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) A Democratic Republic
- 'Sovereign' was in the original Preamble and is omitted here.
- (c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
- 'Secular' was added only in 1976.
- (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
- 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.