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Secularism UPSC Notes

The document discusses secularism in India, defining it as the separation of religion from social, political, and cultural spheres. It outlines key aspects of secularism in the Indian constitution like equal treatment of all religions. It also compares secularism in India which protects all religions equally to the Western concept of strict separation of religion and state.

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18 views

Secularism UPSC Notes

The document discusses secularism in India, defining it as the separation of religion from social, political, and cultural spheres. It outlines key aspects of secularism in the Indian constitution like equal treatment of all religions. It also compares secularism in India which protects all religions equally to the Western concept of strict separation of religion and state.

Uploaded by

Manmohan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UPSC Civil Services Examination

Subject – UPSC GS-II


Topic – Secularism
Indian Constitution stands for a secular state. The meaning of a secular state is that it does not prioritize
any one religion for the country and its people. Secularism calls for a doctrine where all religions are
given equal status, recognition and support from the state or it can also be defined as a doctrine that
promotes separation of state from a religion.

The term in itself is important for IAS Exam aspirants.

This article will provide you with all relevant facts about Secularism, the definition of Secularism in
India and its constitutional significance. Aspirants can also download the notes PDF for upcoming exam.

What is Secularism in simpler terms?

Secularism is a doctrine that states religion is kept separate from the social, political, economical and
cultural spheres of life. Religion is open to one and all and is given as a personal choice to an individual
without any different treatment to the latter.

What is Indian Secularism?

In India, the first face of Secularism is reflected in the Preamble of India where the word ‘Secular’ is
read. The Indian Secularism is also reflected in its fundamental rights (Article 25-28) where it
guarantees each of its citizens the right to practice any religion.

In the words of P B Gajendragadkar, a former Chief Justice of India, secularism is defined as ‘The State
does not owe loyalty to any particular religion as such: it is not irreligious or anti-religious; it gives
equal freedom to all religions’.

Secularism & Article 25 of the Indian Constitution

Indian Constitution guarantees to its citizens six fundamental rights, one of which is the right to freedom
of religion. Article 25 of the Indian Constitution gives each citizen:

 Freedom of Conscience
 Right to Profess any religion
 Right to Practice any religion
 Right to Propagate any religion

Note: Article 25 covers not only religious beliefs (doctrines) but also religious practices (rituals).
Moreover, these rights are available to all persons—citizens as well as non-citizens. However, there are
reasonable restrictions on the fundamental rights of the citizens and central government/state
government, in time of need, can interfere with religious affairs of the citizens.

Read more about Right to Freedom of Religion in the linked article.

Secularism - Facts for UPSC

The list given-below mentions a few important facts about Secularism for UPSC 2020.

 The word ‘Secular’ was added in the Preamble of India by 42nd Amendment Act
 Fundamental Rights of India strengthen the secular fabric of the country
 Secular character of the Indian Constitution stands as basic feature of it and cannot be amended by any act
 In the Bommai Case 1994, Supreme Court upheld the validity of ‘Secularism’ as the basic feature of the
Constitution
 Secularism is sometimes understood with two concepts:
o Positive
o Negative
 The negative concept of secularism is the Western concept of secularism. It connotes a complete
separation between the religion (the church) and the state (the politics)
 This negative concept of secularism is inapplicable in the Indian situation where the society is
multireligious
 The positive concept of secularism is reflected by India. The Indian Constitution embodies the positive
concept of secularism, i.e., giving equal respect to all religions or protecting all religions equally.
 Secularism is a fundamental reality of India’s fabric hence any state government pursuing anti-secular
politics is liable to action under Article 356

Secularism in West Vs. Secularism in India

The difference between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism is given in the table below:

Secularism in India Secularism in West


In West, typically The USA, the
Indian citizens are given a fundamental right to religion however, state and religion are separated and
this right is subject to public order, morality and health. both don’t interfere in affairs of
each other
Christianity is the most reformed,
There is no one religion that dominates Indian society as a citizen
caste neutral and single dominant
is free to practice, profess and propagate any religion
religion in the state
West doesn’t focus on intra-
India, with its outlook, focuses on intra-religious aspects and try to
religious aspects of Christianity and
remove the stigma (if any) attached with any religion on the
let the religion act on the society as
society
it is
Due to accessibility to many religions, there are inter-religious Since Christianity is the one
conflicts and Indian government has to intervene to maintain peace dominant religion, the focus is less
and harmony on inter-religious conflicts
In India, due to the presence of multiple religions and multiple
West, by far, focuses on the equality
communities, the government has to focus on both inter-relatedly.
and harmony among the people of
Example, Article 29 grants protection to both religious minorities
the same religion
as well as linguistic minorities.
With the presence of multiple religion, the role of religious bodies The role of religious bodies is very
also gets enhanced and it furthers their role in Indian politics small in the national politics
States don’t aid religious institutions
Indian states can aid religious institutions
in the West

Also read:

Sources of Indian Constitution Overview of Indian Constitution Fundamental Duties of India

UPSC Preparation:

UPSC 2020 UPSC 2020 Calendar


Documents Required for UPSC Exam Language Papers in UPSC - Tips to Study
UPSC Admit Card 2020 IAS Eligibility Criteria

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