The Preamble is useful in consti- tutional interpretation because it

The Preamble is a vital tool for constitutional interpretation because it embodies the basic philosophy, fundamental values, and the grand vision of the Constituent Assembly [1]. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the Preamble serves as a "key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution," providing essential guidance when the language of any article is found to be ambiguous or capable of multiple meanings [6]. It outlines the core objectives—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—that the Constitution seeks to promote [3]. While it contains value-loaded words, its primary legal utility lies in reflecting the real objectives and ideals of the founding fathers [4]. It is explicitly not a source of substantive power or a limitation on the powers of the government, nor does it provide an exhaustive list of basic features [2].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 46
2. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > PREAMBLE AS PART OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 47
3. [6] https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/lawp03/chapter/preamble-constitutional-interpretation-and-constitutionalism/
4. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > INGREDIENTS OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
5. [4] Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN > Philosophy of the Constitution constitutionconstitution > p. 28