SECULARISM IN INDIA

Home > Current Affairs  > SECULARISM IN INDIA

06 Jan SECULARISM IN INDIA

Posted at 06 Jan 2024 in Current Affairs, Daily Current Affairs for UPSC by
2 Likes

UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS GS1 PAPER:  Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.

WHY IN THE NEWS? 

With increasing cases of mob lynching, communal violence & diluting fabrics of tolerance and peace in Indian society, there has been rising concerns about the Indian brand of Secularism. The anti-thesis of Secularism, Communalism defined as aggressive religious chauvinism based upon power struggle between communities has gained more prevalence at the same time when India aspires to enter into “Amrit Kaal” & emerge as “Global superpower”. 

WHAT DOES SECULARISM CONNOTE? 

  1. As per Akeel Bilgrami, a Sidney Morgen’s Professor of Philosophy, “Secularism consists of three important commitments: 
    • freedom of religious belief and practice
    • Such principles enshrined in the Constitution that make no mention of religion (or opposition to religion) & promotes values such as equality, freedom of speech & gender equality
    • Meta- commitment, which says if there is a clash between the first and second commitments, the second commitment must get priority. 
  2. To distinguish between the idea of Secularisation & Secularism, the former stands for a social process which indicates loss of belief in religious doctrines, ceasing to carry out standard rituals, changing diets and so on and so forth.
  3. On the other hand, Secularism is a political doctrine that emphasizes that  religion should be kept out of the orbits of the politics and does not deal with religious practices. 
  4. Thus, Secularism can be defined as the principle that emphasizes upon the sphere of knowledge, values and polity which is independent of any religious authority.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERN & INDIAN CONCEPT OF SECULARISM: 

  1. The French philosopher, Voltaire in the book “Candide” advocated for the strict separation of State (France) from religious authority (Church) which became bedrock of the French Revolution of 1789. 
  2. It is this principle of separation of the State & Religion which became the bedrock of the Western concept of Secularism. 
  3. For example, the Pope is recognised as the religious head of Christians who are governed by the different laws of different countries such as France, Germany, Italy etc. 
  4. Such strict separation is applicable in a homogenous societies like Europe and USA where laws passed by the Government holds greater value than religious customs and sanctions. 
  5. In such a manner, it can also lead to hostility towards organized religious practices. For example, Ban on Burqa worn by Muslim women by France and Poland at Public places. 
  6. Thus, the Father of Indian Constitution, Dr. BR Ambedkar held that the Western idea of Secularism as “Negative concept” as it connoted “Non-recognition” of any religious beliefs, even if they are integral to sustainable function of the society. 
  7. On the other hand, the Indian society, in the words of S. Tharoor represents a “Thaali” with distinct dishes (ethnicities, languages, religions) served together to make a satisfying meal (multicultural society) based upon ancient dictum of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” i.e; One Earth, One Family, One Future.
  8. To meet the needs of such a socio-cultural diverse society, the Indian concept of Secularism as enshrined in the Constitution is not imported from the West rather has been prevalent in ancient traditions reflected in the ethos of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava”. 
  9. Secularism in India is a positive concept as the State respects and provides equal protection to all religions. As Article 25 of the Constitution provides Fundamental right to every citizen and person in India, the Freedom to practice, propagate and profess any religion of their choice. 
  10. In India there is no “watertight separation” as State share a positive correlation with Religion. The State can sponsor reforms to remove negative aspect of religion: For example, Sabarimala Judgement allowing entry to Women in temples. 
  11. Also, positive tenets of religion can be adapted into State practices. For example, removal of the old system of Communal Representation in Politics. 

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OF SECULARISM: 

  1. The Constitution does not recognise any religion as the “official” religion of India. 
  2. The Preamble promises to secure to all citizens of India; “liberty of belief, faith & worship”.
  3. Article 14 provides for Equality before Law
  4. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of Religion
  5. Article 25 ensures that every person residing in India are entitled to Freedom of Conscience & Right to freely profess, practice & propagate religion
  6. Article 26 provides for Right of religious denominations to maintain their affairs
  7. Article 28 declares that “No Religious instructions in Educational institutions maintained by State” 
  8. Further Constitutional directives to state under Article 44 envisages Uniform Civil Code

The Supreme Court of India, in SR Bommai Case 1994 held that Secularism is the basic structure of Indian Constitution.

DILUTION OF PRINCIPLES OF SECULARISM IN INDIA: 

  1. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has listed several violations of Religious freedom in India. 
  2. The NCRB Report 2021 highlighted more than 5000 cases of Communal riots across the country between 2017-2021. For example, the recent case of communal violence in Nuh, Haryana. 
  3. The “Vote bank” politics of Polarisation has created resentment and apprehensions across community lines. For example, Election speeches propagating “hate” & creating “Us v/s Them” feelings among innocent citizens. 
  4. This has been further aggravated by the spread of “Fake news” across media channels and rampant misuse of social media 
  5. In a “post truth” world mired with misinformation, there is increasing bystanders’ apathy among citizens of India. For example, issue of mob lynching due to distrust in Judicial system. 
  6. The Governance loophole is reflected in absence of any “strict” laws to effectively control communal violence
  7. Such vigilantism further creates the issue of disruption of  “Law & Order” which ushers anarchy & chaos in the society. For example, an individual “Terror attack” by RPF personnel against members of “other” community. 
  8. It further leads to an unrepairable dent in the harmonious fabric of peace loving Indian society as society itself starts implementing “exclusivist policies”. For example, exclusion of Muslim vendors from Temple fairs in Karnataka. 
  9. Such Social enmity spreads violence causing loss of innocent life, destruction of property and disruption of Law and order. For example, Massacre of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s and the Delhi Riots in 2020.
  10. It can also have adverse impact on Strategic relations of India with other countries as seen in the backlash by Gulf countries on communal hatred being spread on Social Media. 

 

Such spread of communal hatred and diminishing tenets of Secularism in India has tarnished India’s image as “Cradle of Civilisation”. 

STEPS TO PREVENT SECULAR FABRICS IN INDIA: 

  1. Implementation of Supreme Court Directive in Dorji vs UOI 2014 to prevent and monitor Communal hatred and Violence: For example, Early warning indicator (EWI) model of Malaysia.
  2. Government shall also create “Peace Units” in States and districts to promote racial harmony and facilitate integration of ethnic minorities. For example, “Ministry of Tolerance” by UAE.
  3. Also a strict law on Mob violence & Hate speech as recently framed under Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita will be effective in curbing communalism.
  4. Such law should be further supplemented with speedy trials & adequate compensation to victims. 
  5. The rising unemployment and resultant poverty makes the disenchanted youth an easy target for vote bank politics. Thus, preventing concentration of wealth through Land reforms and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) shall be done to reduce inequality as directed under Article 39 of the Constitution.
  6. As recommended by Sachar Committee report,  increasing representation of Marginalized communities in sphere of education, jobs etc shall be done in mission mode.
  7. As held by the Supreme Court of India in Hadiya Judgement 2018, promotion of Inter-faith & Inter-caste marriage can infuse larger understanding of the diverse Indian society.
  8. Ensuring strict vigilance by Government institutions such as CVC, CBI & ECI on Political parties and Media institutions to prevent use of religion as a tool for mobilization.
  9. Further, effective use of Media & Civil society shall be done to create feelings of Solidarity & Brotherhood among the people. For example, Know My India Programme by National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH).

WAY FORWARD: 

To further sensitize the society and inculcate the Fundamental duty of promoting brotherhood (Article 51A), the values based education system under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) is the ideal way forward. 

UPSC MAINS 2024 PRACTISE QUESTIONS:

Q: What do you understand by Uniform Civil Code? Examine its relevance for a secular country like India and challenges in its implementation. (15 M, 250 words)

 

Tags:
No Comments

Post A Comment