Why the Indian Constitution is Not Secular in Nature

The concept of secularism plays a crucial role in the Indian polity. However, the question of whether the Indian Constitution is inherently secular is not straightforward. This article delves deep into the roots of secularism in the Indian Constitution and analyzes why it is often perceived as lacking in its true essence.

Secularism in the Indian Constitution

Many argue that the term lsquo;secularrsquo; is insignificant in the context of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution, post-1976, has the word lsquo;secularrsquo; incorporated in its preamble, but this does not imply that governance should be based on a religion. This essay challenges the notion that the Constitution is the root of the incorrect interpretation of secularism in modern India.

Cultural and Relational Interpretations

Secularism in India has been a complex and often misunderstood concept. Currently, the term lsquo;secularismrsquo; has come to mean the oppression of the majority and concessions to minorities, specifically Christians and Muslims. However, true minorities like Parsis and Jains have been largely ignored. It is disingenuous to blame the Constitution for this erroneous interpretation of secularism.

Cultural and Social Evolution

The Indian Constitution was compiled by assimilating the best practices from various democratic societies. However, India faced a significant challenge in transitioning from a pre-independence society to a democratic one. The newly established democracy faced a deep-rooted societal structure where the majority was not yet ready to value their democratic rights.

Upon gaining independence, India was marked by a democratic framework. However, the general masses were not fully prepared to choose leaders who could serve them rather than dictate to them. Instead, they chose a leadership that resembled monarchs, rather than public servants. This unfortunate choice was orchestrated by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who, while advocating for the masses, also perpetuated the chaos that was carried forward from pre-independence India.

True leaders should not rely on lsquo;appeasementrsquo; to consolidate their political power. Unfortunately, this strategy has been a hallmark of the Congress Party, which has used partial personal laws, reservation politics, and implicit polarization of Muslim votes to achieve their goals. These actions have perpetuated a divide within society, undermining the true spirit of secularism.

Religious Ambition and Hinduism

The basic structure of secularism is designed to curtail the social ambitions of any particular religion by learning from the experience of Abrahamic religions. Hinduism, in its core, does not have a similar ambition to control the masses. While Hindu temples are under government control in some instances, this does not undermine the secular nature of the Constitution. In a Hindu-majority state, the term lsquo;secularismrsquo; has often been misunderstood as anti-majoritarianism.

In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is not inherently secular. It is the misinterpretation and misuse of democratic principles and secularism that have led to the current situation in India. A deeper understanding and a consistent application of the Constitution's principles are crucial to achieving true secularism in the country.

Key Points:

The Indian Constitution is often misunderstood as non-secular. Secularism in the Constitution is a misunderstood concept in today's context. The Congress Party's use of political tactics is one of the main reasons for this misinterpretation. Hinduism, in its core, does not have a social ambition to control the masses.

Keywords:

Indian Constitution Secularism Majority Rule