2. SECULARISM
Anti-religious state: Communist state come
under this type. They look at religion as
“false consciousness” or “opium of the
masses”. In the erstwhile USSR, there was
complete ban on religion.
Ultra-procedural model: Strict institutional
separation between state and religion is
there. Both are excluded from domain of
each other. State has neither positive nor
negative relations with the religion. The anti-
establishment clause of the US
Constitution’s 1st amendment prohibits state
from establishing any state’s religion or
favouring any religion.
MODELS OF SECULARISM
3. SECULARISM
Preference to one religion: Countries like
Turkey, Britain prefer Islam and
Protestantism but they are secular in matters
of public policy and administrative issues.
Equidistant model: Similar sets of policies
are adopted with respect to each religion.
Principled-distance model: It is based on the
idea of justice and complex equality. State
is neither anti-religious, nor ultra-procedural,
has no prominent religion, neither does it
maintain equal distance. It intervenes in
different religions in different ways in
different situations.
MODELS OF SECULARISM
4. SECULARISM
State is not identified with a particular
religion.
State in not entirely averse to public character
of religion.
Porous boundary exists between state and
religion. State may intervene to help or
hinder the religion.
There is no active hostility or passive
indifference towards religion.
It is based on liberty, fraternity and tolerance.
Indian model is context specific, ethically
sensitive, politically negotiated model.
It is not based on an ideology or doctrine.
FEATURES OF INDIAN MODEL OF SECULARISM
5. SECULARISM
Nehru: Secularism means religious neutrality
of state. State will treat all citizens equal
irrespective of their religion. Article 15 is
reflective of Nehruvian approach.
Ambedkar: Minorities are custodians of the
Constitution. Just state entails how secure
minorities feel and how much they are
assured that they will not be discriminated
against. They preferred to stay in India
trusting Congress’ vision of a secular India.
Majority is responsible for protection of
minority. Article 29, 30 and 44 reflect
Ambedkarite view.
PROMINENT INTERPRETATIONS OF INDIAN SECULARISM
6. SECULARISM
Gandhi: His was concept of “religious
pluralism”. He did not support strict
separation between religion and politics. His
idea is also said “Sarva Dharma Sambhaw”.
He emphasises on communal harmony. He
was advocate of freedom to practise, profess
and propagate religion. Article 25 is
suggestive of his ideas.
Ashis Nandy: Neo-Gandhian recommends
an active dialogue between religions. They
even advocate religious education so that
people can develop right perception towards
other religions. Neo-Gandhians don’t
subscribe to western model where there is no
public character of religion.
PROMINENT INTERPRETATIONS OF INDIAN SECULARISM
7. SECULARISM
We have ended separate communal
electorate.
We have adopted universal citizenship.
We permit special cultural rights to
minorities.
We have both rights as well as governance-
based secularism.
IPC penalises disturbance of communal
harmony.
Article 295A penalises acts promoting
enmity among different religious groups.
RoPA also prohibits use of religion in
election.
CONSTITUTIONAL SCHEME OF INDIA
8. SECULARISM
Hindu right-wing has popularised the term
“pseudo-secularism”. They accuse the state
of “minority appeasement”. They quote
delay in enactment of an UCC and granting
of special cultural rights to minorities as a
proof. Hindu customs have been reformed
long back but UCC is still not there.
Minority on the other hand feels that Indian
state is not committed to secularism. They
need to prove their loyalty towards the
country all the time and still are accused of
appeasement.
ONGOING DEBATE
9. SECULARISM
Sachchar Committee also testified that
Muslims are most backward in terms of
education and employment.
Muslims are targeted by extraordinary laws
like TADA and POTA. Police and
administrative neutrality are doubtful.
Actions of the judiciary in cases like
Hindutva judgment, Allahabad high court
verdict in Ram Janmabhoomi Case also
depict bias of Indian state.
ONGOING DEBATE
10. SECULARISM
Secularism in India is a matter of necessity
and not of choice. It is a precondition to
manage enormous diversity in country of
not so friendly neighbourhood. It is necessary
to develop civic nationalism in the country.
Communal violence bill can be introduced.
Bureaucracy needs to be reformed. It needs
to be sensitised.
Civil society and media can play an active
role in spreading ideas of secularism.
STRENGTHENING SECULAR CREDENTIALS
11. SECULARISM
Ashis Nandy says that “Secularism is dead”.
T. N. Madan said that secularism will not
work in south Asian countries.
Romila Thapar argues that we have no other
option but to remain secular.
Secularism in India should be based on
democracy, human rights and human
dignity.
STRENGTHENING SECULAR CREDENTIALS
12. SECULARISM
• Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.
• Explain the concept of principled distance.
QUESTIONS
