G.S.Singhvi, J.

1. Fifty years ago, the Constituent Assembly was entrusted with the task of framing the Constitution for independent India. Eminent people from different walks of life, who met under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, debated for over two years, examined and analysed the constitutions of almost all the countries of the world and prepared the document which is known as "the Constitution of India". The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26th day of November, 1949 and the India which became free from the imperial rule on 15th day of August, 1947 was declared to be a Republic on 26.1.1950 with the enforcement of the Constitution. The Preamble to the Constitution pronounces:-

"We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation."

The word "Socialist" was introduced in the Constitution