Khalida khan

BA.L.L.B(Sem-1) (Regular)

Political Science I

Roll Number-20185617

SECULARISM IN INDIA
Secularism is a word which originated in western states and is related to the seperation of

the church from the state, giving the state a position of neutrality between religions. The

word was given by Italian thinker Machiavelli in 15th century. In 1846, George J.

Holliyak coined the word secularism. The word ‘secular’ is used in contrast with the

word religions. It has led some people to develop the belief that secularism is opposed to

religion. However, this is a mistaken belief.

According to Dr Radhakrishnan, “Secularism does not mean irreligion or atheism or even

stress on material comforts. It proclaims that it lays stress on the universality of spiritual

values which may be attained by a variety of ways.” In context of India, secularism

implies equal status to all religions.

In this regard Indira Gandhi wrote, “ Secularism is neither a religion nor indifference to

religion but equal respect for all religions, not mere tolerance but positive respect without

it, there is no future for the nation.” Western writers like Harvey Cox have stressed that

secularism does not exclude religion. On the contrary, it breeds religious peaceful co-

existence. The essential element of secularism is that the state has nothing to do with
religion. Secularism in relation to religion enjoys a special status in India. It is an integral

part of the composite Indian culture. India is a vast country with people of various

communities living here. These may include Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians,

Buddhists, Parsis etc..

Maintenance of co-existence between so many religious philosophies has been the result

of the secular philosophy prevailing in India. The soul of secularism is vested in the

Indian culture.

In India, the concept of secularism has been portrayed in terms of religion. In reality, the

term secularism is much wider than religion. The bhakti and Sufi movements I India gave

a tremendous impetus as to bringing the people of various communities closer. The

leading lights of the movement were Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Baba Farid, Kabir,

Guru Nanak, Tukaram and Mira bai. Guru Nanak said, “ There is no Hindu no

Musalmaan,” as he saw no difference between man and man 1.

Ashoka’s edicts echoed on religious toleration. Akbar also propagated Din-e-Illahi

(divine faith) and ‘Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all) to promote national solidarity. It was

imbibed with the spirit of secularism.

A Secular state is a country where the state is keep separate from religion, and the state

does not discriminate or favor persons based on their religious beliefs. Within a secular

state, the government does not interfere with religion and its activities, as long as such

1
Avnindra Kumar Verma , “secularism” in VK Global Publications Pvt. Ltd. , Political
science.
activities are done under the confines of the law. A secular state is not inspired by

religion when formulating laws and policies. The establishment of a secular state is

necessary if a country is to have true freedom of religion. Countries can become secular

states upon creation (such as the United States), or after undergoing secularization where

the religion (the church) is separated from the state (such as France).

Forms of secularism:

Secular has two forms inter-religious domination and intra-religious domination.

Inter-religious domination

The Indian constitution declares India to be a secular state. However, we still have

several forms of exclusion and discrimination. Over here we can cite the examples

of 1984 anti-sikh riots where thousands of Sikhs were Butchered to death but no

action has been taken against the accused. Likewise, Hindu Kashmiri pandits were

evicted forcefully from their homes in Kashmir and have not been able to return till

date from 1980’s. The demolition of Babri masjid in 1992 saw Hindu Muslims

communal riots and Gujarat riots in 2002, but no action has been taken till date. 2

All these instances show evidence of discrimination and victimisation. Secularism as

a doctrine opposed inter-religious monopoly, along with the dimension of intra-

religious monopoly.

2 Arvind Sharma, “The strains of Hindu-Muslim relations” ,Hinduism and secularism after Ayodhya.
Intra-religious monopoly

Intra religious domination: situations where a community/religion dominates its own

members. For example: Dalits are at a very low hierarchy and they are treated

inhumanely and like slaves by upper castes.

A state should also not have any formal or legal alliance with any religion. For example:

although Pakistan is headed by democratic rulers. But it is having an official religion

namely Sunni Islam.

State should be committed to principles and goals like peace, freedom from religious

oppression, discrimination and also inter religious and intra religious equality.

Indian secularism: A critique

The main criticism against Indian secularism are as follows:

1. It is an Anti-Religious State: Partition of India lead to the creation of a Muslim

dominated Pakistan. Logically, India should have become a Hindu State. Instead, India's

Constitution described India as a secular state and secularism meant being anti-religion.

2. Secularism is a Western Notion: In European States, Christianity was the majority

religion. Secularism in Europe meant that the State was free from the influence of

Christian Church. . This meant that Indian secularism was not secularism at all. Indian

secularism respects all religions equally and does not completely separate religion from

politics.
3. Dangers of Encouraging Minority Communalism: The critics of Indian Secularism

argued that it is wrong to give special privileges to people on ground of religion. The

critics argued that while special privileges for the physically handicapped are justified,

concessions like giving subsidies to Haj pilgrims are not justified.

4. More Inference in One Religion than in Others: The State reformed the Hindu

society by means of laws such as Hindu Marriage Act and the Hindu Succession Act.

These laws were particularly welcomed. But the government did not interfere with the

social customs and beliefs of other communities.

5. Vote Bank Politics i.e., Secularism has become a Political Weapon: Religion and

Caste are being used by some parties to seek political power. Many parties have been

using "Secularism" as a slogan to create a divide between the majority and minority

communities.

Is Secularism suitable for India?

India is committed to the ideal of Secularism. The constituent assembly has visualized

the peculiar situations of the country and a very deliberate sequence has been followed

while arranging the preamble. It aims to secure to citizens justice, equality and liberty.

The basic aim is to promote fraternity while assuring unity and integrity of the nation

along with individual dignity.

In S.R. Bommai vs. UOI, the Supreme Court held that “Secularism is a basic feature of

the constitution.. Politics and religion cannot be fixed.”

In. M Ismail faruqui vs. UOI ,”It was held that it is clear from the constitutional

scheme that it guarantees equality in the matters of religion to all individuals and groups

irrespective of their faith emphasizing that there is no religion of the state itself.”

It needs to be understood that any state cannot be truly secular with secularism just

written in its books. The entire ideology has to be accepted with grace and implemented

equally to all the people meanwhile keeping a check on the governmental bodies for any

unfair use of religious groups to gain power. Each individual should be considered

subject to law, regardless of gender, religion, majority or minority status, etc. The young

generation should be taught about the ideology and the struggles of people in the past for

the establishment of the principle of secularism in the constitution.

REFRENCES:

1.Seeravai H.M., “Constitutional Law of India”, 4th ed.Vol .2

2.Jain M.P., “Indian Constitutional Law” (6th edition 2010).

3.Pandey J.N., “Constitutional Law of India” (43rd edition 2006)

4.Baxi “The ‘Struggle’ for the Redefinition of Secularism in India,” p. 17.