Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

Theme

T77 Preamble, features & the 'living' Constitution

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks you to defend each adjective of 'Republic' in the Preamble today, and to show the Constitution as a living instrument through the widening of the right to life and liberty.

What to cover

• Sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic: meaning and present relevance
• 42nd Amendment additions and the SC's 2024 view upholding them
• Living constitution: interpretation (Maneka Gandhi, Puttaswamy), amendments
• Expanding Art 21: privacy, dignity, livelihood, environment, speedy trial

Writing the answer

• Support each point with a case law

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 2 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.