Secular State

‘Secular state’ is a concept born from secularity or secularism. Nowadays, we hear a lot about ‘Secularism’. Secularism is just a group of people following ‘Secularity’. Secularity is a person’s unbiased or neutral view on religious matters. It means the person is neutral towards other religions, cultures, and activities. There are around 96 secular countries in the world as of now. Some are entirely Secular, and some are partial. Some say, in India at Ashoka’s time, 2200 years ago, Secularism existed. But there is no written record available for the said matter.

What is a Secular State?

‘Secular state’ is a concept born from secularity. It means the state or a country is officially neutral in matters of religion. To be clear, it does not mean irreligious. A secular state is where its people can follow their perspective religion, but the country does not officially support or oppose any religion. It is an environment where people can live together irrespective of their caste, religion and culture.

Being ‘secular’ does not necessarily mean a state is entirely neutral. There are many states which have religious mentions in their national symbols. Many laws benefit certain religions. But generally, the state permits and accepts all religions.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an ideal Secular nation is one in which religion does not affect the government, its policies and any public part of the society and vice-versa. That means the government should not interfere in religious activities.

Out of 96 states which declared themselves to be Secular, many use religious symbols in their affairs. It is because those religions are deeply rooted in their culture and society. Irrespective of the type of government, whether a democracy, dictatorship or a monarchy, it is a Secular state if a country officially declares to be secular.

History and Origin

The concept of a Secular state belongs to modern history, and ‘Secularism’ can only be dated back to the 19th century. But, throughout history, the concept of a state being secular can be seen as related to Christianity. One of the foremost engineers of this concept is Marsilius of Padua, the renowned Catholic thinker of the fourteenth century. He challenged the claim of the supremacy of Church over State in his treatise ‘Defensor Pacis’, published in 1324.

Although long advocated by philosophers and others, the concept of a secular state did not exist until Rhode Island. Roger Williams said, “for the good of the whole”, the political rights and benefits given to all irrespective of their religion under his leadership. It is the first case of a Secular state born in America.

Secularity can be initiated while creating a state or by establishing later. Countries like the Soviet Union and the United States established themselves as secular, whereas France, Nepal, and many other countries adopted secularity later.

India as a Secular State

India adopted secularity in a different concept compared to other nations. In western nations, the Secularity of state means the state and religion are two different things and do not interfere. But, India is one of the first countries to integrate itself with Secularism.

India is a Secular state because,

• Our constitution allows it:

The word ‘secular’ was incorporated in the Preamble of our constitution by the 42nd amendment of 1976. It means there is no official religion of the state

• Freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion:

Article 25 of our constitution provides people with the freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion. People are allowed to practice their religion and carry religious symbols unless it harms the unity and sovereignty of the country

• Freedom in attending religious instructions in educational institutions:

The state-funded institutions cannot ask their students to follow any religion. It is not mandatory to attend religious instruction in any educational institutions aided by the state under Article 28

• Prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion

Our constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion by any other religion, person or the State itself

• Allows the state to intervene in matters of religion

The state can intervene if it feels that there is discrimination in the name of religion.

For example,

• Sikhs are to carry a dagger as the symbol of valour in their religion. But, they are not allowed for security issues.

• Triple talaq was banned, considering it discriminatory towards women.

• Sati was banned, considering it inhumane. 

In this matter, India stands different from many nations as it does not consider the state and religion to be separated. It is tolerant as well as steps in when it is necessary.

Ambedkar once said that it does not mean that the state shall not consider the religious sentiments of the people. A secular state means that the government should not have the power to impose any particular religion on the remaining people. That is the only limitation that the constitution recognises.

Conclusion

People of India are free to celebrate their festivals equally. Our constitution provides the right to follow, practise or promote any religion. But, at the same time, the state can intervene and protect our fundamental rights if it deems necessary. Being home to many religions, India is a Secular state and a model to other nations, spreading unity among different cultures. India is also the largest full-fledged secular democracy. In this article, we understood Secularity, Secularism, What is a secular state and India as a Secular State.