Secularism in India

Secularism in India: Inherent from the Start, Not an Emergency-Era Imposition

Syllabus: Polity & Constitution (GS Paper II)

#Editorial

Indian secularism is deeply rooted in its civilisational ethos, freedom struggle, and constitutional values. It was always implicit in India’s democratic framework and only became explicit with the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The idea is not an imported or Emergency-driven imposition, but a continuation of ancient and modern Indian thought.

Key Points:

1. Historical Roots of Indian Secularism:

• Ashokan Edicts (268–232 BCE): Promoted religious tolerance, condemned hate speech, encouraged self-restraint and mutual respect.

• Motilal Nehru Report (1928): Rejected state religion.

• Karachi Resolution (1931): Advocated religious neutrality of the state.

• Savarkar-endorsed Hindu Mahasabha Draft (1944): Also opposed a theocratic state.

2. Constituent Assembly Debates:

• Proposal to begin the Constitution with "In the name of God" was rejected (lost 68:41).

• No call for Hindu Rashtra; consensus on a liberal, inclusive democracy.

• Terms like secular, federal, and judicial review were not used explicitly, but upheld as part of the Basic Structure (Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973).

3. Nature of Indian Secularism:

• Not Western-style separation: India practices principled equidistance, not strict separation like France or non-establishment like the U.S.

• Protective, not adversarial: Aims to shield religion from state interference and vice versa.

• Promotes autonomy: Religious institutions retain autonomy under secularism.

4. Myths and Misinterpretations:

• The claim that secularism was forcibly inserted in 1976 is historically incorrect.

• Hindutva supporters misconstrue secularism as minority appeasement, ignoring how secularism safeguards all religions.

5. Global Models of Religion-State Relationship:

• UK: Anglican Church is state church; monarch is Defender of the Faith, but equality is ensured.

• Greece/Ireland: Religious references in preamble exist, but fundamental rights remain protected.

• Pakistan & Sri Lanka: Despite religious references, constitutional provisions safeguard minorities.

• India’s uniqueness: Rooted in pluralism, not majoritarianism.

Indian secularism, inspired by Ashoka and the freedom movement, is intrinsic to the Constitution’s philosophy. Its inclusion in the Preamble during the Emergency only made explicit what was always foundational. Secularism is key to India's unity in diversity and essential for the sustenance of constitutional democracy.