Secularism in Indian politics is a myth.

Constitutional Basis of Secularism in India

The Indian model of secularism is often described as ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ – equal respect for all religions. This differs from the strict separation of church and state prevalent in some Western nations. Key constitutional provisions include:

• Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
• Article 26: Right to manage religious affairs.
• Article 27: Freedom from paying taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
• Article 28: Prohibition of religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions.

Arguments Supporting the ‘Myth’ Claim

Several factors contribute to the argument that secularism is a myth in Indian politics:

• Politicization of Religion: Political parties frequently employ religious symbolism and appeal to religious identities to garner votes. Examples include the use of Hindu nationalist rhetoric by certain parties and the appeasement policies towards minority communities.
• Communal Violence: Recurring instances of communal violence demonstrate the fragility of inter-religious harmony and the potential for political exploitation of religious differences. The 2020 Delhi riots and the Babri Masjid demolition (1992) are stark reminders.
• State’s Ambiguous Role: Critics argue that the state often adopts a selective approach to secularism, intervening in some religious matters while remaining passive in others. The debate surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, and its perceived discrimination based on religion, exemplifies this.
• Rise of Hindu Nationalism: The increasing prominence of Hindutva ideology and organizations has been interpreted as a challenge to India’s secular fabric.

Counter-Arguments and Evidence of Secularism

Despite the challenges, several aspects demonstrate the continued relevance of secularism in India:

• Judicial Activism: The judiciary has played a crucial role in upholding secular principles. The Supreme Court’s rulings on the Shah Bano case (1985) and the Ayodhya dispute (2019) – while controversial – demonstrate the court’s engagement with religious issues within a constitutional framework.
• Electoral Resilience: Despite attempts at religious polarization, Indian voters have consistently demonstrated a degree of rationality and have not always succumbed to communal appeals.
• Diversity and Pluralism: India’s inherent diversity and the coexistence of various religious communities are testament to the enduring spirit of tolerance and pluralism.
• Constitutional Safeguards: The fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution continue to protect the religious freedoms of all citizens.

Recent Trends and Challenges

Recent years have witnessed a growing trend of religious polarization and the erosion of secular norms. The increasing emphasis on cultural nationalism and the marginalization of minority voices pose significant challenges to India’s secular fabric. The debate surrounding religious conversions and the implementation of anti-conversion laws in several states further complicate the situation.

Aspect	Supporting Secularism	Challenging Secularism
Political Discourse	Constitutional emphasis on equal treatment; Multi-party system representing diverse interests	Communal rhetoric; Appeasement politics; Religious polarization
Judicial Intervention	Upholding fundamental rights; Resolving religious disputes within a legal framework	Perceived biases; Delays in justice delivery; Controversial rulings
Social Fabric	Coexistence of diverse religious communities; Tradition of tolerance and pluralism	Communal violence; Religious discrimination; Social segregation