Indian Moral Thinkers — Ethical Standards

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment	1976	The 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency period, added the words 'socialist' and 'secular' to the Preamble of the Constitution and changed 'subjects' to 'citizens.' While controversial for the manner of its passage, the amendment reflected principles from Indian moral philosophy—the emphasis on socialism reflects Gandhian and Sarvodaya principles of economic justice and welfare of all; the emphasis on secularism reflects the principle of Ahimsa and non-discrimination. The amendment demonstrates how Indian moral principles are embedded in constitutional amendments, even when the amendments themselves are controversial.	The 42nd Amendment had significant impact on constitutional interpretation and governance. The addition of 'socialist' and 'secular' to the Preamble provided constitutional basis for policies aimed at economic justice and secular governance. However, the amendment is also remembered as a cautionary example of how constitutional amendments can be misused during periods of political crisis. From a UPSC perspective, the amendment illustrates both the importance of moral principles in constitutional design and the dangers of constitutional amendment without proper democratic process.
44th Amendment	1978	The 44th Amendment, passed after the Emergency, restored several fundamental rights and made important changes to reflect principles of justice and dignity. It removed the right to property from fundamental rights but made it a constitutional right, reflecting a more nuanced approach to property rights that balances individual rights with social welfare. The amendment restored the right to equality and freedom of expression that had been curtailed during the Emergency. These changes reflect Indian moral philosophy's emphasis on balancing individual rights with collective welfare and on protecting dignity and freedom.	The 44th Amendment had significant impact in restoring constitutional protections after the Emergency. It demonstrated the resilience of constitutional democracy and the importance of protecting fundamental rights. The amendment's approach to property rights reflects Indian moral philosophy's principle that individual rights must be balanced with social welfare and that economic justice is essential to human dignity.