Liberty, Equality And Fraternity

Introduction – Union of Trinity

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution stands as a testament to the foundational principles and aspirations of the nation. One of its most striking elements is the concept of the “Union of Trinity,” which encapsulates the core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. These three ideals form the cornerstone of the Indian democratic framework, embodying the vision of a just and inclusive society envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.

Each of these principles holds significant importance in ensuring a fair, just, and inclusive society:

Liberty: Constitutional Ideals and Limitations for Individual Freedom

• Provides for Ideals like liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired by the French Revolution (1789).
• Absence of restraints on the activities of individuals [UPSC 2019]
• Providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.
• Preamble secures the liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith & worship.
• Liberty does not mean the license to do what one likes. Need to be enjoyed within the limitations mentioned in the constitution.
• Liberty is ensured in the preamble, and the fundamental Rights are not absolute but qualified.

Equality

• The preamble secures equality of status and of opportunity.
• Absence of special privileges to any section of society. [UPSC 2017]
• Adequate opportunities for all without discrimination.
• Civic Equality:
  • Article 14: Equality before law.
  • Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth.
  • Article 16: Equality of opportunity in public employment.
  • Article 17: Abolition of untouchability.
  • Article 18: Abolition of titles.
• Political Equality:
  • Article 325: No one is ineligible for inclusion in the electoral rolls on the grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.
  • Article 326: Lok Sabha & state assembly elections based on adult franchise.
• Economic Equality:
  • Article 39: Equal right to adequate means of livelihood & equal pay for equal work to men and women.

Fraternity

• It provides for a sense of Brotherhood.
• Single Citizenship promotes fraternity.
• Article 51A: The fundamental duty of every citizen is to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities.
• The preamble declares that the Fraternity has to ensure the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
• The dignity of individuals is ensured by Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, and Fundamental Duties.
• Unity and integrity of a nation embraces both psychological and territorial dimensions of national integration. The term integrity was added by the  42nd CAA, 1976.

Union Of Trinity

• Union of Trinity (Social Democracy) = Principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are not to be treated as separate items in a trinity. 
  • If any of these is absent, it will defeat the purpose of democracy.
• Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over many. Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative.

Conclusion

• The principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity form the bedrock of a just and inclusive society. 
• They represent the fundamental values that guide governance, ensuring individual freedoms, fairness, and solidarity among citizens. 
• Upholding these principles fosters a harmonious and progressive society where each person is respected, empowered, and afforded equal opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

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