Challenge after 44 years': SC junks pleas against 'socialist', 'secular' in Preamble

Upholds 1976 amendment to Preamble, declares 'socialist' and 'secular' integral

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed petitions challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution that added the terms "socialist," "secular," and "integrity" to its Preamble. The court upheld Parliament's power to amend the Preamble under Article 368, observing these terms are fundamental to the constitutional framework.

The verdict, authored by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, highlighted the delay of over four decades in filing the petitions undermined their validity. "We do not find any legitimate cause or justification for challenging this constitutional amendment after nearly 44 years," the Chief Justice stated. He further noted that the arguments lacked substance, negating the need for an exhaustive examination.