define the terms right to equality
secularism
Answers
Answer:
In the West, the word secular implies three things: freedom of religion, equal citizenship to each citizen regardless of his or her religion, and the separation of religion and state. One of the core principles in the constitution of Western democracies has been this separation, with the state asserting its political authority in matters of law, while accepting every individual's right to pursue his or her own religion and the right of religion to shape its own concepts of spirituality. Everyone is equal under law, and subject
Explanation:
Answer:
Equality is the heart of Indian Constitution. Though inequalities, disparities and differences are existing and widening because of lopsided policies of the successive governments, the equality continues to be the objective and aim of the constitutional governance. Secularism is one facet of equality among the people of all religions, which cannot be tinkered with. Secularism is the basic character of our well-drafted Constitution, besides democracy.
Additions in Preamble
The amendment of the Constitution during Emergency by Indira Gandhi government to introduce the word 'secular' in the Preamble does not mean that we were not a secular nation earlier. And India did not become 'socialist' because it was added by this amendment. It can be read as a reiteration of the principle of equality of people without discrimination on any ground including the religion, gender or caste. Though there is no specific declaration even before this amendment, the Indian Constitution has implicitly recognised secularism by guaranteeing the right to equality before the law and equal protection of law under Article 14, which is fundamental. This principle was reinforced by Article 15 that says state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Its sub-articles further explain it with examples. Article 16 is yet another declaration about equality of opportunities in matters of public employment wherein again the discrimination based on religion was specifically prohibited. Other fundamental rights under Article 19, extend to every citizen without any discrimination. The all important right to life (Article 21) with other related fundamental rights under Article 20 and 22 will extend to all persons equally. Any law that abrogates this feature is unconstitutional.
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Deep rooted differences
Islamic rulers’ Shariat-based jurisprudence subjecting Hindus to discriminatory taxation, encroachment of temples to build Masjids over them and British politics are historic causes of deep rooted hostilities between these two communities. Except Akbar, equality of religions was nobody’s policy during Delhi and Deccan Sultanats. India was not secular before the advent of British administration, which used the division between Hindus and Muslims to perpetuate their rule till independence, claiming secularism as neutrality to all religions. The British introduced and encouraged Indian Christians and made laws for them like Indian Succession Act and Special Marriage Act of 1872.