Which of the following provisions of the Constitution reveal the secul...
The Constitution of India has provisioned for its Secular character i.e. the country does not have any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian State. These provisions include:
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, added the term ‘Secular’ to the preamble of the Constitution which secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship.
- The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of t he laws.
- The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of religion.
- Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment.
- All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate any religion.
- No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion of a particular religion.
- All minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
- The State shall endeavour to secure for all the citizens a Uniform Civil Code.
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Which of the following provisions of the Constitution reveal the secul...
The Secular Character of Indian State in Constitution
The Constitution of India reflects the secular character of the Indian State in several provisions. The correct answer is option 'D', i.e., all three provisions reveal the secular character of the Indian State. Let's discuss each provision in detail.
1. Equality before the law and equal protection of laws:
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of laws to all persons. It means that the State cannot discriminate among citizens based on their religion, caste, race, gender, or place of birth. This provision reflects the secular character of the Indian State, which treats all citizens equally regardless of their religious beliefs.
2. Equality of opportunity in public employment:
Article 16 of the Indian Constitution provides for equality of opportunity in matters of public employment to all citizens. It means that the State cannot discriminate among citizens based on their religion, caste, race, or gender in matters of public employment. This provision reinforces the secular character of the Indian State, which provides equal opportunities to all citizens without any religious bias.
3. Uniform Civil Code:
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure for all citizens a Uniform Civil Code. It means that the State should have a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. This provision reflects the secular character of the Indian State, which aims to promote a common civil code for all citizens, transcending their religious differences.
Conclusion:
The provisions of the Indian Constitution discussed above reflect the secular character of the Indian State, which treats all citizens equally without any religious bias. The Constitution of India upholds the principle of secularism, which is one of the foundational values of the Indian polity.
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