Q. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.

Model Answer:

India and the United States are both secular states, but they approach secularism differently due to their distinct historical and social contexts.

India as a Secular State:

• The Indian Constitution enshrines secularism through Articles 25-28 (freedom of religion) and 29-30 (cultural and educational rights of minorities).
• India follows a “positive secularism” or “principled distance” approach, where the state maintains equal respect for all religions while retaining the right to intervene for social reform.
• This allows for state involvement in religious institutions, such as the management of religious properties and the abolition of practices like untouchability.
• The Indian model acknowledges the country’s deep-rooted religious diversity and aims to create harmony among various faiths.

Secular Principles in the US Constitution:

• The First Amendment establishes two key principles: the Establishment Clause (prohibiting state-sponsored religion) and the Free Exercise Clause (protecting religious practice).
• The US adopts a “wall of separation” approach between church and state, as articulated by Thomas Jefferson.
• This strict neutrality limits government involvement in religious affairs and vice versa.
• The focus is on individual religious freedom with minimal state intervention.

Comparison:

• While India actively engages with religions to ensure equality and social justice, the US maintains a hands-off approach to avoid favoring any religion.
• India’s secularism allows for differential treatment of religious groups to protect minorities, whereas the US emphasizes equal treatment under law.
• Both countries aim to protect religious freedom, but India’s approach is more interventionist due to its complex religious landscape and history of communal tensions.
• The US model evolved from a predominantly Christian society, while India’s secularism addresses a highly diverse religious population.

Conclusion:
Both nations uphold secularism, adapting their approaches to unique historical and social contexts while striving for religious freedom and equality.