Preamble, Article 1 and Article 2 of the Constitution of India

What is the Preamble of the Constitution of India?

The Preamble is the introductory declaration of the Constitution. It records that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India and sets out the constitutional objectives of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The words "Socialist" and "Secular", and the expression "unity and integrity of the Nation", reflect changes made by the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976.

The Preamble should be read with the operative provisions of the Constitution. It expresses the broad constitutional purposes but does not itself contain the detailed institutional powers, procedures and rights found in the Articles and Schedules.

Article 1 - Name and territory of the Union

Article 1 is the opening provision of Part I, titled "The Union and its Territory". It identifies the constitutional name of the country and explains what constitutes the territory of India.

Meaning of "Union of States"

Article 1 uses the expression "Union of States". The States and Union territories forming the constitutional territorial arrangement are identified through the Constitution, particularly the First Schedule. The expression should therefore be understood together with Articles 2 to 4 and the First Schedule.

What is included in the territory of India?

Article 1(3) identifies three components: the territories of the States, the Union territories specified in the First Schedule, and other territories that may be acquired. This makes "territory of India" a constitutional expression broader than a reference only to the States.

Article 2 - Admission or establishment of new States

Article 2 gives Parliament legislative power concerning the admission into the Union or establishment of new States. The power is exercised by making a law, and Parliament may prescribe the terms and conditions it considers appropriate within the constitutional framework.

Article 2 should not be confused with Article 3. Article 3 separately deals with formation of new States and alteration of the areas, boundaries or names of existing States. Article 4 addresses laws made under Articles 2 and 3 and their related amendments to the First and Fourth Schedules and supplemental, incidental and consequential provisions.

Article 1, Article 2 and Article 3 - how they differ

Article 1 describes India as a Union of States and defines the components of its territory. Article 2 empowers Parliament to admit into the Union or establish new States. Article 3 deals with internal reorganisation matters specified in that Article, including formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States.

For the procedure and conditions specifically applicable to reorganisation under Article 3, see the related page on Article 3 - formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States.

Official constitutional resources

For the authoritative current text and amendment notes, readers should verify the provision from the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice and the India Code. The official 2026 Legislative Department edition incorporates constitutional amendments up to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023.