Interpretation by the Supreme Court:
1. Berubari Union case, 1960 – The Supreme Court said that the Preamble shows the general purposes behind the several provisions in the Constitution, and is thus a key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution. Despite this recognition of the significance of the Preamble, the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.
2. Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973 – Supreme Court rejected the earlier opinion (in the Berubari Case) and held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution. It observed that the Preamble is of extreme importance and the Constitution should be read and interpreted in the light of the grand and noble vision expressed in the Preamble. But it has no legal effect independent of other parts.
3. LIC vs. Union of India Case, 1995 – The Supreme Court again held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution but it is not directly enforceable in court of justice.
