GK Question

Answer: True

Preamble values and basic structure: (a) Preamble as constitutional compass: (i) Justice (social/economic/political), liberty (with responsibility), equality (substantive), fraternity (dignity + unity) provide normative framework, (ii) Kesavananda Bharati: Preamble part of Constitution; values inform basic structure identification, (b) Basic structure connection: (i) Preamble values not directly enforceable but guide interpretation of constitutional provisions, (ii) Amendments violating Preamble values likely violate basic structure (e.g., amendment abolishing equality would violate basic structure), (iii) Judicial interpretation: Courts use Preamble values to assess whether amendment destroys constitutional identity, (c) Applications: (i) Equality amendments: Must preserve substantive equality; cannot abolish affirmative action essential to equality goals, (ii) Liberty amendments: Must preserve core freedoms; cannot authorize arbitrary detention, censorship without safeguards, (iii) Fraternity amendments: Must preserve dignity, unity; cannot authorize discrimination destroying social harmony, (d) Rationale: (i) Constitutional identity: Preamble values define Indian constitutionalism; destroying them alters constitutional identity, (ii) Democratic legitimacy: Preamble expresses popular sovereignty; amendments cannot undermine foundational democratic values, (iii) Rights protection: Preamble values underpin Fundamental Rights; destroying them undermines rights framework, (e) Illustrates value-based basic structure: Preamble values inform basic structure identification; amendments must preserve foundational values essential to constitutional identity, even if procedural requirements met.