why is secularism held to be one of the basic structure of the Indian constitution? examine the statement
Answers
Answer:
Indian secularism is fundamentally different from Western secularism. 'Equal protection by the State to all religions'. ... At the same time Nehru was not in favour of a complete separation between religion and state. A secular state can interfere in matters of religion to bring about social reform.
Explanation:
By the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the term "Secular" was also incorporated in the Preamble. ... Explaining the meaning of secularism as adopted by India, Alexander Owics has written, "Secularism is a part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution and it means equal freedom and respect for all religions."
Secularism in India, thus, does not mean the separation of religion from state. Instead, secularism in India means a state that supports or participates in a neutral manner in the affairs of all religious groups.
The basic structure (or doctrine) of the Constitution of India applies only to constitutional amendments, which states that the Parliament cannot destroy or alter the basic features of the Indian Constitution. These features includes (1) Supremacy of the constitution.