This is a 'Sitter' category question. It demands verbatim memorization of the Preamble text. The trap lies in the adjective 'Economic'—it exists in the Preamble, but it is attached to 'Justice', not 'Liberty'. If you rely on vague understanding rather than exact wording, you will fail here.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Is "liberty of thought" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
Presence: 5/5
“The Preamble in its present form reads:
"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;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".”
Why this source?
- Contains the verbatim Preamble text listing: 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Direct primary source text showing 'liberty of thought' as one of the Preamble objectives.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
Presence: 5/5
“The term 'liberty' means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities. The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation . Liberty as elaborated in the Preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system. However, liberty does not mean 'Hence' to do what one Hkes, and has to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the Constitution itself. In brief, the liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental Rights is not absolute but qualified.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly states that the Preamble secures to all citizens 'liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Explains the meaning and scope of 'liberty' as envisaged by the Preamble and its link to Fundamental Rights.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
Presence: 4/5
“INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA It will be seen that the ideal embodied in the above The Preamble. Resolution is faithfully reflected in the Preamble to the Constitution, which, as amended in 1976, summarises the aims and objects of the Constitution: 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 the unity and integrity of the Nation: IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITU-TION.”
Why this source?
- Reproduces the Preamble (as amended) including the phrase 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Confirms the Preamble's wording in a constitutional commentary.
Statement 2
Is "economic liberty" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;."
Why this source?
- The quoted Preamble text explicitly defines the forms of 'LIBERTY' it guarantees.
- The listed liberties are 'thought, expression, belief, faith and worship' — economic liberty is not mentioned.
"LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;."
Why this source?
- This duplicate official distribution of the Preamble again lists the specific liberties guaranteed.
- It repeats the same set (thought, expression, belief, faith and worship), with no reference to economic liberty.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
Strength: 5/5
“The Preamble in its present form reads:
"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;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".”
Why relevant
Gives the full current text of the Preamble showing the exact words used for 'JUSTICE' and for 'LIBERTY'.
How to extend
A student can compare the listed kinds of 'LIBERTY' in this text with the phrase 'economic liberty' to see whether that specific term appears.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
Strength: 4/5
“The term 'liberty' means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities. The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation . Liberty as elaborated in the Preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system. However, liberty does not mean 'Hence' to do what one Hkes, and has to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the Constitution itself. In brief, the liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental Rights is not absolute but qualified.”
Why relevant
Explains what the Preamble means by 'liberty' and explicitly lists the kinds of liberty secured (thought, expression, belief, faith and worship).
How to extend
Use this list to check whether 'economic' is among the liberties the Preamble secures.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2017 TEST PAPER > p. 751
Strength: 3/5
“t 2017 TEST PAPER • 1. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India? • (a) Liberty of thought • (b) Economic liberty • (c) Liberty of expression • (d) Liberty of belief • 2. The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following? I • (b) The Fundamental Rights• (c) The Directive Principles of State Policy• (d) The Fundamental Duties • 3. Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? • 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour • 2.”
Why relevant
Contains a multiple-choice question that treats 'Economic liberty' as an option identified as not embodied in the Preamble.
How to extend
A student could use such practice-question framing as a prompt to verify against the Preamble text whether 'economic liberty' is present.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2013 TEST PAPER > p. 746
Strength: 4/5
“'Economic Justice' as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in (a) the Preamble and the Fundamental Rights (b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy (c) the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy (d) None of the above”
Why relevant
Frames 'Economic Justice' as an objective linked to the Preamble (question about where 'economic justice' is provided).
How to extend
Distinguish between 'economic justice' (which the Preamble explicitly lists under Justice) and 'economic liberty' by checking the Preamble wording.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
Strength: 4/5
“INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA It will be seen that the ideal embodied in the above The Preamble. Resolution is faithfully reflected in the Preamble to the Constitution, which, as amended in 1976, summarises the aims and objects of the Constitution: 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 the unity and integrity of the Nation: IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITU-TION.”
Why relevant
Reproduces the Preamble (as amended) and highlights 'JUSTICE, social, economic and political' together with the separate list for 'LIBERTY'.
How to extend
A student can use this to note that 'economic' qualifies 'justice' in the Preamble rather than qualifying 'liberty', suggesting 'economic liberty' is not the phrasing used.
Statement 3
Is "liberty of expression" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
Presence: 5/5
“The Preamble in its present form reads:
"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;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".”
Why this source?
- Contains the exact text of the Preamble including the line: 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;'
- Direct textual evidence that 'expression' is enumerated as part of 'liberty' in the Preamble.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
Presence: 4/5
“The term 'liberty' means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities. The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation . Liberty as elaborated in the Preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system. However, liberty does not mean 'Hence' to do what one Hkes, and has to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the Constitution itself. In brief, the liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental Rights is not absolute but qualified.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly states that the Preamble secures to all citizens 'liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Explains 'liberty' in the Preamble context, reinforcing that 'expression' is included.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
Presence: 5/5
“INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA It will be seen that the ideal embodied in the above The Preamble. Resolution is faithfully reflected in the Preamble to the Constitution, which, as amended in 1976, summarises the aims and objects of the Constitution: 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 the unity and integrity of the Nation: IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITU-TION.”
Why this source?
- Reproduces the Preamble wording and lists 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship' as an objective.
- Confirms the inclusion of 'expression' in the Preamble's catalogue of liberties.
Statement 4
Is "liberty of belief" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
Presence: 5/5
“The Preamble in its present form reads:
"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;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".”
Why this source?
- Contains the Preamble text verbatim listing: 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Direct textual evidence that 'belief' is one of the liberties secured by the Preamble.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
Presence: 5/5
“INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA It will be seen that the ideal embodied in the above The Preamble. Resolution is faithfully reflected in the Preamble to the Constitution, which, as amended in 1976, summarises the aims and objects of the Constitution: 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 the unity and integrity of the Nation: IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITU-TION.”
Why this source?
- Reproduces the Preamble (as amended) and explicitly includes 'LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'.
- Confirms the wording and scope of 'liberty' in the Preamble.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
Presence: 4/5
“The term 'liberty' means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities. The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation . Liberty as elaborated in the Preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system. However, liberty does not mean 'Hence' to do what one Hkes, and has to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the Constitution itself. In brief, the liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental Rights is not absolute but qualified.”
Why this source?
- Explains that the Preamble secures liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship to all citizens.
- Clarifies the concept of 'liberty' in the Preamble and its relationship with Fundamental Rights.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC loves 'Adjective Swapping'. They take a valid word from the Preamble (e.g., 'Economic') and attach it to the wrong category (e.g., 'Liberty') to create a plausible-sounding distractor. Precision is the only defense.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from Laxmikanth Chapter 5 (Text of the Preamble) or NCERT Class IX (Democratic Politics).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The specific categorization of Constitutional Objectives: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the exact lists: Justice (Social, Economic, Political); Liberty (Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith, Worship); Equality (Status, Opportunity); Fraternity (Dignity, Unity, Integrity). Note the sequence.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just read the Preamble; map the adjectives to their nouns. Ask yourself: Why 'Economic Justice' but not 'Economic Liberty'? Because the Indian Constitution envisages a Welfare State (Justice), not a Laissez-faire Capitalist state (Absolute Economic Liberty).
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Preamble wording — Liberty clause
💡 The insight
The Preamble explicitly lists 'liberty of thought' as part of the liberty clause; knowing the exact phrasing helps answer directly.
High-yield for MCQs and descriptive questions on Preamble contents; links to constitutional basics and quick recall tasks. Master by memorizing the Preamble text and practicing precise identification of its components.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Is "liberty of thought" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Preamble and Fundamental Rights linkage
💡 The insight
References show the Preamble's liberty is tied to Fundamental Rights and enforceability in courts.
Important for questions on the relationship between the Preamble and enforceable rights, judicial interpretation, and rights protection. Helps answer legal-scheme and polity mains/ethics questions; study by mapping Preamble terms to corresponding Fundamental Rights provisions.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
- Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS > 5.3 RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > p. 79
🔗 Anchor: "Is "liberty of thought" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Legal significance and interpretation of the Preamble
💡 The insight
Sources treat the Preamble as embodying the Constitution's philosophy and an integral interpretative aid.
Crucial for essays and judiciary-related questions on constitutional interpretation and amendments. Understand its role in cases and amendments (e.g., text vs. interpretation) to handle analytical questions; link study to landmark judgments and amendment history.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 46
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > PREAMBLE AS PART OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 47
🔗 Anchor: "Is "liberty of thought" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Exact wording of the Preamble (Justice vs Liberty clauses)
💡 The insight
The Preamble's text lists 'Justice, Social, Economic and Political' separately from 'Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship', so knowing exact words is essential to judge whether 'economic liberty' appears.
High-yield: many UPSC questions hinge on precise phrasing of constitutional provisions (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP). Mastering exact clauses helps avoid traps that interchange terms (e.g., 'economic justice' vs 'economic liberty') and supports accurate answer-writing and interpretation. Link this to study of Fundamental Rights and DPSPs for comparative analysis.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Is "economic liberty" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Distinction between 'economic justice' and 'economic liberty'
💡 The insight
The Preamble explicitly pairs 'economic' with 'justice' while 'liberty' is limited to specified freedoms, highlighting a conceptual difference relevant to the statement.
High-yield: UPSC often tests ability to distinguish similar-sounding constitutional concepts. Understanding this distinction helps answer questions on thematic intent of the Constitution (welfare vs negative liberty), informs essays on socio-economic rights, and aids in linking Preamble language to Directive Principles and policy debates.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
🔗 Anchor: "Is "economic liberty" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Preamble as interpretive tool and its constitutional status
💡 The insight
Whether a phrase appears in the Preamble and how it is read depends on the Preamble's role in interpretation and its status as part of the Constitution.
Medium-high: Questions ask about the legal weight of the Preamble and its use in interpretation (e.g., judicial references). Mastering this helps in legal-analysis questions and in evaluating how far Preamble wording can be used to infer rights or obligations; it connects to landmark cases and constitutional amendment debates.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > PREAMBLE AS PART OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 47
🔗 Anchor: "Is "economic liberty" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?"
👉 Preamble wording — 'Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship'
💡 The insight
The question asks about whether 'expression' is part of the Preamble; several references reproduce this exact phrase from the Preamble.
High-yield factual recall: knowing the precise words of the Preamble is frequently tested in prelims and useful in mains essays/answers about constitutional values. It connects directly to Fundamental Rights and constitutional philosophy; practice memorising exact phrasing and locating it in source texts.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > III Liberty > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Is "liberty of expression" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India..."
The 'Integrity' trap: The word 'Integrity' was NOT in the original Preamble; it was added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) along with 'Socialist' and 'Secular'. A future question may ask to identify the specific words added or the exact sequence (Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic).
The 'Socialist' Conflict: The Preamble declares India a 'Socialist' Republic. 'Economic Liberty' is a core tenet of Capitalism (Laissez-faire). These two concepts are ideologically opposed. Therefore, 'Economic Liberty' cannot be an objective in a 'Socialist' Preamble.
Mains GS-2 (Polity) & GS-4 (Ethics): The absence of 'Economic Liberty' and presence of 'Economic Justice' is the constitutional justification for State intervention in the economy (e.g., Land Reforms, MGNREGA, Food Security). It prioritizes distributive fairness over absolute market freedom.