SECULARISM (INDIA)

Secularism is separation of religion from the State. It implies that state should not favour the followers of any particular religion or discriminate against any followers of any particular religion

Secularism does not mean negation of religion; does not mean banning of religion from social or public life.

Secularism means not merely tolerating other religions but showing equal respect to all religions and their followers. (“Sarva dharma samabhava”) which allows all Indian citizens to follow or not follow a religion of their choice.

The 42^nd Amendment to Constitution inserted the word ”Secular”  in the preamble to the Constitution in 1976. It is thus part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.

The Indian Constitution promotes secularism in the following ways: 

- State to observe neutrality and impartiality towards all religions. 

- There shall be no state religion in India. 

- No religious instruction will be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds. 

- Every person is guaranteed freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice and propagate his/ her own religion, subject to restrictions imposed by the state in the interest of public order, morality and health. 

- State shall not discriminate against any citizen in any matter, particularly in the matter of employment on the ground of religion