What objective has been set in the Preamble of the Constitution to specifically assure the 'dignity of the individual'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Fraternity is the objective explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution that is linked to assuring the 'dignity of the individual.' The Preamble states: "and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation." Fraternity means a sense of common brotherhood among all Indians. The framers of the Constitution realized that in a country as diverse as India, national unity and the respect for every person's worth (dignity) could only be achieved if people felt they belonged to a single nation and shared a spirit of fellowship. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that without fraternity, equality and liberty would only create further divisions. By promoting this feeling of brotherhood, the Preamble aims to ensure that no individual feels marginalized or oppressed, thereby guaranteeing their inherent dignity and worth as citizens. Therefore, fraternity serves as the ethical and psychological basis for upholding the dignity of every person in the democratic system established by the Constitution.

The incorrect option is 1:
Justice in the Preamble refers to securing social, economic, and political justice for all citizens. While justice certainly contributes to a life of dignity, its primary focus is on eliminating disparities and ensuring fairness in society's institutions. It is a broad objective ensuring fair treatment, but it is not the specific, relational objective explicitly tied to assuring the "dignity of the individual" as phrased in the text of the Preamble. Justice deals with the structure and functioning of the state and society to ensure equity, rather than the spirit of brotherhood that directly underpins individual respect.

The incorrect option is 2:
Liberty, as enshrined in the Preamble, denotes freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. Liberty is essential for a dignified existence, as it grants individuals the autonomy to pursue their goals and develop their personality. However, the constitutional objective directly coupling the assurance of "dignity of the individual" is fraternity. Liberty secures freedom from external constraints, allowing an individual to flourish, but it does not inherently guarantee that others will treat them with respect, which is the role of fraternity.

The incorrect option is 3:
Equality in the Preamble aims to secure equality of status and opportunity for all citizens. This principle ensures that all persons are treated equally before the law and have equal chances to succeed, regardless of their background. While equality is fundamental to individual dignity because it rejects hierarchical social structures, it primarily addresses the formal and material conditions of citizenship (status and opportunity). Fraternity goes a step further by focusing on the moral and emotional dimension—the sense of mutual respect and brotherhood—that ultimately prevents the violation of individual dignity.