Figure 2: No Copyright Infringement Intended

Context:

• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha stated that it was up to the House to consider a private member's bill modifying the Constitution's Preamble, and that the Chair could not rule on the matter.

About the Issue:

• A Rajya Sabha member proposed a Private Member bill to change the word "Socialist" with "Equitable” in the Preamble.
• K.J. Alphons, a member, has claimed that the name "socialist" has "political overtones" and historical baggage that a huge segment of India does not find acceptable.

Opposition of the bill:

• The motion to introduce a Bill on the subject was opposed by members of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
• They maintained that because the Preamble is a part of the Constitution's core structure, the Bill should not be allowed to be introduced.
• Opposition lawmakers also cited Rule 62 (2) of the Rules of Procedure, claiming that a bill that has not had the President's prior sanction or recommendation cannot be tabled in the House.

Decision of Deputy Chairman:

• If the House so desires, a bill to change the Constitution's Preamble can be submitted, although the Chair does not have the authority to do so.
• There have been times in the past when Private Members' Bills to modify the Preamble have been introduced.

About Private Member Bill:

• A private member of parliament (MP) is a member of parliament who is not a minister.
• Private Member's Bills are bills introduced by private members of Parliament.

Download PDF