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The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Preamble has evolved from viewing it as non-justiciable (Berubari, 1960) to recognizing it as part of the Constitution with interpretive and limiting functions (Kesavananda, 1973 onwards). Which case marked this pivotal shift?
- Berubari Union case (1960)
- Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
- Minerva Mills case (1980)
- Indira Gandhi case (1975)
Answer: Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
Preamble jurisprudence evolution: (a) Berubari Union case (1960): Preamble not part of Constitution; merely introductory, not enforceable, (b) Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Overruled Berubari; held: (i) Preamble is part of Constitution, (ii) Amendable under Article 368 but basic structure unamendable, (iii) Interpretive aid for ambiguous provisions, (iv) Source of constitutional philosophy guiding interpretation, (c) Subsequent cases reinforcing Kesavananda: (i) Minerva Mills (1980): Preamble values guide balance between FRs and DPSP, (ii) SR Bommai (1994): Preamble secularism part of basic structure, (iii) Puttaswamy (2017): Preamble dignity foundational for privacy recognition, (iv) Navtej Singh Johar (2018): Preamble equality guides LGBTQ+ rights protection, (d) Illustrates living constitutionalism: Judicial understanding adapts to societal needs while preserving core values; Preamble interpretation evolves through democratic practice, (e) Essential for UPSC Mains: Understanding jurisprudential evolution demonstrates conceptual mastery of constitutional interpretation. Illustrates dynamic constitutionalism: Preamble as living compass, not static text.