Previous Year Question

The Preamble to the Constitution of India does not expressly mention economic liberty. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

The Preamble resolves to secure the following five forms of liberty for all citizens:

• Liberty of thought;

• Liberty of expression;

• Liberty of belief;

• Liberty of faith;

• Liberty of worship.

Options (a), (c) and (d) are therefore expressly included in the Preamble.

Instead of “economic liberty,” the Preamble refers to economic justice. It resolves to secure social, economic and political justice for all citizens. Economic justice and economic liberty are not identical expressions.

Economic justice seeks to reduce excessive inequality in the distribution of resources and opportunities and to develop a socio-economic system in which every person can lead a dignified life. Economic liberty, in contrast, generally concerns the freedom to select and pursue a profession, trade, occupation or other economic activity.

Although “economic liberty” is absent from the Preamble, other constitutional provisions confer rights relating to economic activity. Article 19(1)(g) gives citizens the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business. This right is not absolute and remains subject to reasonable restrictions in the public interest under Article 19(6).

The Directive Principles of State Policy promote economic justice. Article 38 directs the State to establish a social order in which social, economic and political justice informs all institutions of national life. Article 39 contains principles concerning adequate means of livelihood, distribution of material resources according to the common good and prevention of concentration of wealth.

Thus, the Constitution contains rights concerning economic activity and objectives concerning economic justice, but the expression “economic liberty” is not embodied in the Preamble.