Consider the following statements:1. State government pursuing anti-se...
The correct answer is (a) 1 only.
Statement 1 is correct. Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, if a state government is found to be pursuing anti-secular policies or actions that undermine the secular character of the state, the President of India has the power to impose President's rule in the state and take over the administration of the state. This power is exercised in rare and extreme cases, when it is necessary to ensure the maintenance of the secular nature of the state and to protect the rights and interests of all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indian concept of secularism does not connote a complete separation between religion and the state. Rather, it means that the state does not favor or discriminate against any particular religion and guarantees the freedom of religion for all citizens. The state does not establish or endorse any religion and does not interfere in religious matters. However, the state may make laws that regulate or affect religious practices and institutions, as long as such laws are reasonable and non-discriminatory and do not violate the fundamental rights of citizens.
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Consider the following statements:1. State government pursuing anti-se...
Explanation:
Statement 1: State government pursuing anti-secular politics is liable to action under Article 356.
- Article 356 of the Indian Constitution deals with the imposition of President's Rule in a state. It empowers the President to suspend the state government and impose direct Central rule.
- However, the Constitution does not explicitly mention anti-secular politics as a ground for imposing President's Rule.
- Article 356 provides for the imposition of President's Rule in a state in case of a breakdown of constitutional machinery. It can be invoked if there is a failure of the state government to comply with constitutional provisions or if there is a situation where the governance of the state cannot be carried out in accordance with the Constitution.
- Therefore, while a state government pursuing anti-secular politics may be considered undemocratic or against the principles of secularism, it may not necessarily be a ground for imposing President's Rule under Article 356. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: Indian concept of secularism connotes a complete separation between religion and the state.
- The Indian concept of secularism is different from the Western concept of secularism which emphasizes a complete separation between religion and the state.
- In India, secularism is enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution which declares India to be a secular country.
- The Indian concept of secularism does not mean the absence of religion from public life but rather the equal treatment and protection of all religions by the state.
- The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all individuals and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
- The state is expected to treat all religions impartially and not favor or discriminate against any particular religion.
- The state can intervene in religious matters for social welfare, reform, or to prevent discrimination or oppression.
- Therefore, the Indian concept of secularism does not imply a complete separation between religion and the state. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, statement 1 is incorrect as the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 does not directly apply to state governments pursuing anti-secular politics. However, statement 2 is correct as the Indian concept of secularism does not connote a complete separation between religion and the state. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
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