SECULARISM
Secularism refers to a political and social principle under which the State does not establish or privilege any particular religion and guarantees freedom of religion and equality of citizenship. In the Indian context, secularism does not simply imply a rigid separation between religion and State; rather, it emphasizes equal respect and protection for all religions.
Indian secularism is therefore closely associated with:
Sarva Dharma Sambhava → Equal Respect for All Religions
It is essential for maintaining religious freedom, equality, fraternity and peaceful coexistence in India’s multi-religious society.
Historical Evolution of Secularism in India
Ancient India
Indian society historically witnessed the coexistence of different religions and philosophical traditions.
The source highlights:
- Coexistence of different traditions within Hinduism.
- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism reflected at Ellora.
- Ashoka’s 12th Rock Edict promoted tolerance and respect for different religious sects.
Medieval India
The Bhakti and Sufi movements promoted:
- Tolerance
- Brotherhood
- Universalism
- Harmony
- Peace
Under Akbar, religious tolerance was reflected through policies such as abolition of Jizya and the establishment of the Ibadat Khana for inter-religious dialogue.
Modern India
The freedom movement largely developed a secular ethos, while colonial policies such as separate electorates and divide-and-rule contributed to communal divisions.
The source notes that the Indian National Congress represented secular values and the Nehru Report of 1928 called for abolition of separate electorates.
Manifestations of Secularism
The source identifies three broad manifestations:
Differentiation
Religion becomes less dominant in non-religious spheres and is increasingly confined to the cultural domain.
Privatization
Religion is treated primarily as a matter of personal faith.
Reduced Social Significance of Religion
Religion’s role in public institutions and everyday secular activities declines.
Forms of Secularism
Soft Secularism
Supports legal separation between religion and State but allows accommodation of religious differences.
Hard Secularism
Supports a more complete separation of religion and State.
Positive Secularism
Means mutual and equal recognition of all religions.
Negative Secularism
Emphasizes non-recognition of religion by the State.
Constitutional Basis of Secularism
The word “Secular” was explicitly inserted into the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, although secular principles were already embedded in the Constitution.
Important constitutional provisions include:
| Article | Secular Principle |
|---|---|
| Article 14 | Equality before law |
| Article 15 | No discrimination on grounds of religion |
| Article 16 | Equal opportunity in public employment |
| Article 25 | Freedom of conscience and profession, practice and propagation of religion |
| Article 26 | Freedom to manage religious affairs |
| Article 27 | No compulsory tax for promotion of a particular religion |
| Article 28 | Restrictions on religious instruction in State-funded institutions |
| Article 44 | Uniform Civil Code as a DPSP |
| Article 51A | Promote harmony and preserve composite culture |
These provisions collectively combine religious liberty with equality and constitutional regulation.
Important Judicial Pronouncements
Shirur Mutt Case, 1954
The Supreme Court developed the Doctrine of Essential Religious Practices, protecting practices considered essential and integral to religion.
Ratilal v. State of Bombay, 1954
State regulation should not interfere with the essential aspects of religion.
Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973
Secularism was recognized as part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, which Parliament cannot destroy through constitutional amendment.
Stanislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1977
The right to propagate religion under Article 25 does not include a right to forcible conversion.
S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, 1994
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that secularism is embedded in India’s constitutional philosophy and that the 42nd Amendment merely made this explicit.
Secularism and Secularization
These two concepts should be distinguished.
Secularism is primarily a political-constitutional principle governing the relationship between religion, State and citizenship.
Secularization is a broader social process through which religious institutions and explanations become less dominant in spheres such as:
- Economy
- Politics
- Justice
- Health
- Family
They are increasingly replaced by rational and empirical approaches.
Features of Indian Secularism
Indian secularism is characterized by:
- Equal respect for all religions
- No official State religion
- Equality irrespective of religion
- Religious freedom
- Protection of minority rights
- Religious tolerance
- Possibility of State intervention for social reform
- Promotion of scientific outlook
- Constitutional protection of religious freedom
Indian Model of Secularism
The Indian approach is based on Sarva Dharma Sambhava.
Its important characteristics are:
- No official religion of the State.
- Respect for different religions.
- Freedom to profess and practise religion.
- Recognition of religious diversity.
- Protection of minority rights.
- State intervention is possible to remove discriminatory or harmful practices.
- Secularism is used as a means to achieve peaceful coexistence in a plural society.
Indian vs Western Secularism
| Indian Secularism | Western Secularism |
|---|---|
| Equal respect for religions | Greater emphasis on separation of Church and State |
| State may engage with religion | State and religion occupy more separate spheres |
| State can intervene for social reform | State intervention in religious matters is more restricted |
| Recognizes minority/community rights | Greater emphasis on individual religious liberty |
| Accommodates religious personal laws | Greater emphasis on a common secular legal framework |
| Addresses India’s religious plurality | Developed largely in relatively different historical contexts |
The source therefore presents Indian secularism as a more accommodative model, whereas the Western model places stronger emphasis on institutional separation.
Challenges to Secularism in India
Communalism
Growing communalism can undermine secular values by converting religious identities into competing political identities.
Religion–Politics Nexus
Political mobilization on religious lines can produce:
- Vote-bank politics
- Polarization
- Communal propaganda
- Social division
Religious Intolerance
Intolerance towards other religious beliefs undermines pluralism and peaceful coexistence.
Forced Conversion
Coercive religious conversion can increase hostility between communities and weaken communal harmony.
Administrative Bias
Perceptions that State institutions do not act impartially during communal tensions can weaken confidence in secular governance.
Defective Education
Failure to promote:
- Constitutional values
- Scientific temper
- Tolerance
- Critical thinking
can strengthen stereotypes and communal identities.
Under-Representation and Exclusion
Social and economic exclusion of minority communities can create alienation and relative deprivation.
Radicalization
Extremist interpretations and radicalization can undermine religious tolerance and social harmony.
WAY FORWARD
Quality Education
Education should promote:
- Constitutional morality
- Scientific temper
- Tolerance
- Critical thinking
- Respect for diversity
Electoral Reforms
Stronger regulation is required against:
- Communal speeches
- Hate-based campaigning
- Religious polarization
Speedy Justice
The judiciary should ensure timely justice in cases affecting communal harmony and secularism.
Police Reforms
Police and administrative institutions must remain impartial, accountable and politically neutral.
Responsible Media
Media should prevent:
- Rumours
- Hate speech
- Misinformation
- Communal sensationalism
Inter-Faith Dialogue
Promoting:
- Inter-religious meetings
- Common festivals
- Community interaction
can strengthen social trust and fraternity.
Government Measures Promoting Secularism
The source highlights:
Abolition of separate electorates and introduction of universal adult franchise.
National Integration Council
42nd Constitutional Amendment
National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Sachar Committee
Ranganath Misra Commission
Minority-development programmes and welfare initiatives.
Secularism is indispensable for the survival and success of India’s pluralistic democracy. In a country characterized by extraordinary religious diversity, secularism provides the constitutional framework through which religious freedom, equality, minority rights and national unity can coexist.
Indian secularism should therefore not be viewed merely as the separation of religion and State, but as a commitment to equal respect, principled State intervention, constitutional morality and peaceful coexistence. Strengthening education, scientific temper, impartial institutions, inter-faith dialogue and fraternity is essential to prevent communal polarization.
Ultimately, India’s secular project succeeds when a person’s citizenship and constitutional rights remain independent of religious identity, while every community enjoys the freedom and dignity necessary to preserve its faith within the framework of the Constitution.