---
title: "42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 — Definition"
description: "The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, reshaped India's Preamble and fundamental rights during the Emergency, making it vital for UPSC exam candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/42nd-amendment-act-1976"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 was India's most extensive constitutional amendment, altering the Preamble, fundamental rights, directive principles, and federal balance during the Emergency.
- Why is the 42nd Amendment called the 'Mini-Constitution'?
- Which provisions of the 42nd Amendment were struck down by the Supreme Court?
- How did the 44th Amendment relate to the 42nd Amendment?
- Which parts of the 42nd Amendment remain in force today?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 25 June 1975

   The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 was enacted by the Indian Parliament during the internal Emergency proclaimed under Article 352 on , and received…

2. 18 December 1976

   The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 was enacted by the Indian Parliament during the internal Emergency proclaimed under Article 352 on 25 June 1975,…

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In December 1976, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government enacted the 42nd Amendment, inserting "socialist" and "secular" into the Preamble while the Emergency was still in force across India.

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