April 5 – GS2/Social Justice: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: The concept of secularism in India is flawed as it seeks to negate the importance of our cultural and religious heritage. Critically examine. (250 words)

Introduction

Secularism is about keeping religion separate from government to make sure the state treats all religions equally. This prevents religious groups from swaying government decisions and public policies, safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. In 1976, the Indian Constitution embraced secularism through the 42nd Amendment, adding "secular" to the Preamble.

Body

Characteristics of Indian Secularism:

• Equal Treatment For All: Indian secularism, as outlined in the Constitution, guarantees equality and non-discrimination based on religion. Key provisions include:
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination by the State on religious grounds.
• Articles 25-28: Ensure freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice, profess, and propagate their faith.
• Neutral State: Indian secularism promotes a neutral state that neither endorses any religion nor interferes in religious matters. The state is unaffiliated with any particular religion, aiming to provide equal support to all religious communities.
• Positive Secularism: Unlike negative secularism, which merely avoids endorsing any religion, positive secularism involves proactive engagement with religious and cultural communities. It recognizes the significance of religious and cultural practices in people’s lives, ensuring that state policies respect and accommodate these practices.
• The Indian government acknowledges and celebrates various religious festivals from different communities, such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Gurpurab, by declaring them as public holidays.

Criticisms of Secularism in India:

• Marginalization of Religious Practices: The focus on neutrality in secularism can lead to the exclusion of religious symbols and practices from public spaces and state institutions. Critics argue that this exclusion disregards the cultural importance of these symbols, which are vital to the identities of different communities.
• Cultural Erosion: There are concerns that the emphasis on secular neutrality may make certain religious practices and festivals less visible and celebrated in public life, resulting in a gradual decline of cultural traditions.
• Conflict with Personal Laws: Secularism sometimes conflicts with traditional religious practices, especially regarding personal laws that govern marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Critics argue that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could violate the religious rights of communities by imposing a uniform set of laws that may not respect their unique traditions.
• Uneven Application: Critics point out that the selective application of secular policies can create perceptions of bias or favoritism, worsening cultural and religious tensions. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, along with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam, has raised discussions about their impact on secularism in India.
• Legal and Social Conflicts: Judicial rulings and state policies related to secularism can sometimes trigger disputes and conflicts among different religious groups, affecting social harmony and complicating the preservation of cultural heritage.

Conclusion

In the important case of S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, the Supreme Court stated that secularism is a fundamental part of the Constitution. While the goal of secularism in India is to ensure fairness and prevent discrimination, its effects on cultural and religious practices can be controversial. By encouraging discussions and making sure policies are applied fairly, policymakers can strive for a balance that maintains the principles of secularism while also honoring and celebrating the country’s diverse culture.