Secular

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 01 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 01 July 2025

Topic: GS1 (Indian Society), GS2 (Polity – Constitution and Secularism)

Context

The editorial reflects on the evolution and erosion of India’s secular credentials, particularly in the face of rising communal rhetoric and political manipulation. It raises concerns about the shrinking space for pluralism and constitutional morality in the country’s democratic framework.

Constitutional Vision of Secularism

• The Indian Constitution does not mention the word “secular” in the original draft but enshrines its essence through Articles 25 to 28, guaranteeing freedom of religion.

• The 42nd Amendment formally added “secular” to the Preamble in 1976, reaffirming India’s commitment to neutrality toward all religions.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized liberty of thought, belief, and worship as fundamental to democracy.

Challenges to Secularism in Contemporary India

• Political narratives often invoke religion for electoral gains, leading to polarization and majoritarian tendencies.

• Misuse of government power to target minorities (e.g., demolitions, surveillance) raises concerns about institutional bias.

• The failure of civil society and state institutions to resist communalism weakens secular democratic norms.

Judiciary and the Idea of Secularism

• The Supreme Court has upheld secularism as part of the Basic Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973).

• However, recent judgments and judicial silence on sensitive communal issues have prompted questions about judicial independence and moral responsibility.

The Role of Civil Society and Institutions

• Universities, cultural institutions, and the media are expected to foster pluralism, but many are seen as aligning with dominant ideologies.

• Dissent and protest, essential features of a secular democratic society, are increasingly viewed as anti-national.

Constitutional and Practical Dimensions of Indian Secularism

Aspect	Constitutional Provision	Current Challenges
Freedom of Religion	Articles 25–28	Selective application; rising intolerance
Equality Before Law	Article 14	Targeted policies and actions against minorities
No State Religion	Preamble (after the 42nd Amendment)	Political exploitation of religious identity
Cultural and Educational Rights	Articles 29–30	Cultural institutions under pressure
Secularism as Basic Structure	Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)	Judiciary seen as passive in communal issues

Conclusion / Way Forward

• A truly secular state must ensure equality before law, irrespective of religion, and curb state-sponsored communalism.

• Revitalizing secularism in India requires collective effort from political leadership, civil society, judiciary, and the citizenry to uphold constitutional morality and pluralism.

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Recent global de-escalations and economic trends have offered India a temporary reprieve. Critically analyze how India can leverage this window for long-term structural transformation.