GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary

Syllabus: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 170 words · 75% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A date or context2 of 4
  • A direct answer1 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose4 of 4

Close

  • No separate close2 of 4
  • A quotation1 of 4
  • A summary1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 127 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a direct answer

Recently, while dismissing a plea for removal of Socialism and Secularism from the Preamble, Supreme Court underlined these features as core of Basic Structure Doctrine.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Constitutional core * Socialism * (1) Article 38 * (2) DPSPs * (3) Preamble * Secularism * (1) Article 25, 26 * (2) Article 30 * (3) Preamble * Venn diagram: Two overlapping circles labelled "Social" and "Secular" inside a larger box labelled "Basic Structure"

Judicial Decision on Socialism

(1) In Nakara Vs UOI → Supreme Court held Indian System to be a delicate balance of Marxian Socialism & Gandhian Socialism

(2) In Property Owners Association Case (2024) → SC declared existence of private property central to Indian socialistic model

Judicial Decision on Secularism

(1) In SR Bommai Case (1993) → court held duty of State to promote secular credential of country

(2) In Ram Janmabhoomi Case (2019) → SC held secularism held it to be part of constitutional morality

Diagram
* Cementing of principle * part of Basic structure * Judicial Review against any encroachment * Essential practice Doctrine to protect (Shirur Mutt Case)

Close · a quotation

"Idea of India is not that of Nation, but of Tolerance, Acceptance and Equality" - Shashi Tharoor

More on Constitution and Basic Structure

Historical underpinnings, evolution, salient features, amendments and the basic structure doctrine.

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